Sessions judge tells IGP to act against Shikarpur police officers showing negligence in controlling crime

Regarding the deteriorating law and order situation in the Shikarpur district, the district and sessions judge has expressed significant dissatisfaction with the performance of local law enforcement officials.

The judge has directed the Sindh inspector general of police (IGP) to take necessary actions against police officers who have shown a lack of diligence in controlling heinous crimes in the area.

This issue gained prominence following a visit by the chief justice of the Sindh High Court on March 7, 2024. During his visit, members of the District Bar Association raised concerns about the worsening law and order condition. He subsequently instructed the deputy inspector general (DIG) of Larkana, the deputy commissioner (DC) Shikarpur, and the senior superintendent of police (SSP) Larkana to take immediate measures to improve the situation.

On October 7, 2024, civil society organisations staged a protest outside the Karachi Press Club, highlighting their concerns about the increasing crime rates in the district. In a formal order, Sessions Judge Innayatullah Bhutto reiterated the directives issued on October 5, 2024, specifically addressing the SSP of Shikarpur. The order required the SSP to appear in court and submit a progress report regarding missing persons who were allegedly detained by the station house officer (SHO) of Police Station Madeji.

The SHO had previously failed to produce a detainee when ordered, leading to the court mandating that the SSP ensure the recovery of the alleged detainee. Despite granting multiple extensions, both the SHO and the SSP failed to comply with the court's directives, with the reasons for their negligence remaining unclear, added in order.

The court order criticised the SHO and the SSP for their negligence in fulfilling their duties. The order explicitly stated that both officials had been reminded of their responsibilities, yet they continued to neglect the law and order situation in the district. The alarming rise in incidents of abduction for ransom, robbery, and snatching has led to a pervasive sense of insecurity among residents, leaving them vulnerable to criminal activities.

The court has directed the DIG of Larkana to exercise his powers under Section 551 of the Criminal Procedure Code to submit a compliance report. Additionally, the DIG has been instructed to request reports from the relevant SHOs regarding the increase in heinous crimes and to explain the lack of action taken against these officials within their jurisdictions.

A comprehensive report is expected, and the DIG has been warned that failure to comply may result in his personal appearance in court. A meeting was held on March 11, 2024, aimed at addressing these issues, but the current law and order conditions have reached alarming levels, with police struggling to contain the escalating crime rate.

Citizens continue to feel vulnerable and at the mercy of criminals who operate with increasing impunity, raising serious concerns about public safety in the district. The situation remains critical, and immediate corrective measures are essential to restore law and order in the Shikarpur district.