Sindh police open probe into ‘fake’ encounter

KARACHI: Sindh Police authorities initiated an inquiry into an alleged fake encounter in which the brother of a nationalist party leader was shot and injured.

The Sindh Police authorities have initiated an inquiry into an alleged fake police encounter that took place in Shaheed Benazir Abad, where Salman Keerio younger brother of a nationalist party leader Nisar Keerio was shot and injured on October 22.

STP Information Secretary Nisar Keerio alleged that his younger brother, Salman, was shot by the Airport police in a fake encounter, after filing false political cases against his brother. Following the incident, widespread protests ensued, including a shutter-down strike and sit-ins on highways in various parts of the province. The Shaheed Benazir Abad Police registered a case against protesting party workers under the Anti-Terrorism Act, leading to the arrest of over 20 workers, including women, and multiple instances of police using force against protesters.

On Nov 2, senior officers of Sindh police reached out to STP Chairman Dr Qadir Magsi assuring him of an impartial inquiry into the alleged fake encounter and police misconduct. Following the assurances, the protests came to an end. Many of the protestors were released, and DSP Ayub Birohi was appointed as the Inquiry Officer by DIG Shaheed Benazir Abad Parvez Ahmad Chandio. DSP Birohi has been tasked with conducting an inquiry and submitting findings within seven days.