Inquiry committee holds fellow cops responsible for sub-inspector’s suicide

The inquiry committee formed in the aftermath of the self-immolation of a cop outside the Central Police Office (CPO) last month has recommended a separate inquiry as well as suspension of police officials for causing psychological stress to the cop, prompting him to commit suicide.

The committee has also stressed the need for psychological evaluation of police officers both at the time of recruitment and during service. Sub-Inspector Muzzafar Chandio, who was serving at the telecommunication department of the police, had set himself on fire in front of the CPO on April 23. He sustained 41 per cent burn injuries and was rushed to the Civil Hospital, Karachi, where he died during treatment.

Sindh Inspector General of Police Mushtaq Mahar formed a three-member inquiry committee to investigate Chandio’s suicide. Additional IG Training & Establishment Muhammad Arif Hanif headed the committee and DIG Headquarters Pir Muhammad Shah and AIG Welfare Muhammad Tariq Nawaz were its other members.

Talking to The News on Friday, the committee head said they had concluded the inquiry and finalised recommendations. In a letter, the committee members that they realised during the inquiry that there was a dire need for improving the system in the telecommunication department, which included cutting short long tenures of posting, and ensuring rotation after every two to three years.

“There should not be any policy of posting on OPS basis. Similarly, OICs should not be given any administrative powers of transfer and posting rather it should be at AIGP level,” the letter read.

The committee also emphasised the need for psychological evaluation of police officers at the time of recruitment as well as during service. “It is obvious that the conduct of other members of the nexus namely DSP Ayaz Danwar, Accountant Gulzar, head constable Darya Khan and Reader head constable Imran of OIC district Mirpurkhas also contributed to this unfortunate incident. A separate enquiry should be conducted against their role and they should be suspended and removed from postings,” the letter read.

Earlier, a press conference was held by the family members of the deceased cop at the Malir Press Club where they said SI Chandio was posted at the police’s telecommunication department. They alleged that Chandio was being continuously harassed by some corrupt officials, including DSP Danwar, Gulzar, Khan and Imran. The family said the deceased police official had also complained to senior police officers multiple times about those officials harassing him but the senior officials did not take notice, which forced him to commit suicide.

The deceased cop hailed from Mirpurkhas. On the day of suicide, he had arrived at the CPO where he reportedly wanted to meet some police officer for the resolution of his issues. However, he set himself ablaze after dousing his body in petrol.

In his statement to the police while being treated in the hospital, the sub-inspector had complained of his ill-treatment at the hands of four police officers. He had also submitted complaints to his high-ups against them.