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Concerns Raised Over Committee Investigating Karachi Red Zone Riots
Questions arise regarding the committee formed to investigate the October 13 Karachi Red Zone riots. Sources indicate concerns over including officers appointed during the riots in the investigation.
ND
by News Desk
2024-10-15
Concerns Raised Over Committee Investigating Karachi Red Zone Riots

Concerns have been raised regarding the committee formed to investigate the riots that occurred in Karachi’s Red Zone on October 13. The committee, tasked with examining the events leading to and during the violent protests, has sparked internal controversy, as some police officers have expressed reservations about its composition, sources revealed on Tuesday.

 

According to the sources, several officers conveyed their concerns to the Inspector General (IG) of Sindh, pointing out that the investigation committee includes only those officers who were on duty during the riots. This has led to questions about the impartiality of the investigation.

 

Reservations Over Committee Chairmanship

One of the primary concerns raised was the appointment of DIG Special Branch, Fida Mastoi, as the chairman of the committee. Sources indicated that, on the day of the protests, the Special Branch did not provide crucial intelligence regarding the demonstrations that occurred near the Cantt Station. Under normal circumstances, the Special Branch is responsible for gathering and reporting details of such activities, and the failure to do so has cast doubt on Mastoi’s ability to lead the investigation impartially.

 

Additionally, the Special Branch was expected to give prior details about the protests, but reportedly failed to provide accurate information, which led to uncoordinated responses from law enforcement. The officers in charge of maintaining order during the protests — DIG South, SSP Kemari, and SP Investigation South — were deployed at Three Talwars but had to be redirected to control the situation near Cantt Station.

 

Issues with Deployment and Riot Control

The sources further revealed that on the day of the riots, SSPA VLC Arif Rao Aslam and SSP South were assigned to oversee security at the Karachi Press Club, where a baton charge was initiated in the presence of both officers. The inclusion of SSPA VLC Arif Rao Aslam in the investigation committee has also raised eyebrows, given his direct involvement in the events under scrutiny.

 

Concerns have also been raised about the overall handling of the situation, with critics questioning whether the correct protocols were followed to prevent the escalation of violence. The deployment of officers at key locations such as Three Talwars and the press club, while other flashpoints like Cantt Station were left vulnerable, has led to scrutiny over the decision-making process during the riots.

 

Investigation Committee’s Role

The committee is tasked with conducting a thorough investigation into the events that transpired in the Red Zone, including the reasons behind the failure to anticipate the protests and the response of the law enforcement agencies involved. However, with key individuals who were present during the riots now responsible for investigating the same, critics argue that the findings may not be as objective as needed.

 

As the investigation proceeds, it remains to be seen whether additional changes will be made to the committee’s composition or whether an external review will be called for to ensure a more impartial inquiry into the Red Zone riots. The riots, which erupted following a protest near Cantt Station, resulted in significant disruption and raised questions about the preparedness of law enforcement agencies in managing large-scale demonstrations in sensitive areas.
Tagged:

SindhPolice

LawEnforcement

PoliceInvestigation

RedZone

KarachiRiots

RiotsInquiry

ProtestsInKarachi
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