Police officers kept on sipping tea as the attack took place, SC observes
The Supreme Court (SC) has ordered the Interior Ministry to take action against police officers found responsible in Islamabad kutchery attack case.
A three-member SC bench presided over by Chief Justice of Pakistan CJP Nasirul Mulk took up the case for hearing.
“Islamabad kutchery attack case took place due to negligence of DPO and other senior officers of police while police took action against the lower staff members of police and let off the others. The attorney general (AG) should appear in the court in person and present detailed report till January, 14, 2015,” the court ruled.
“Islamabad kutchery attack case is outcome of negligence of higher authorities of police. How the attack occurred despite such enormous security,” the CJP said.
Justice Gulzar Ahmad remarked, “SP-level police officers are responsible for the incident as they did not discharge their duty as per duty plan, duty roster and other references. The top officers with whom the responsibility rested were let off. The poor constables were taken to task. Police officers kept on sipping tea and gossiping with each other as the attack took place.”
Deputy Attorney General (DAG) Sajid Bhatti presented police report in the court wherein it was said that four police officers have been removed and two years service of Abdul Rashid and one year service of Qasim Khan has been confiscated.
When Justice Gulzar inquired about the present security situation for the lawyers, Sajid Bhatti said that 205 police personnel had been deployed in this regard. Justice Gulzar however termed the police strength insufficient.
The lawyers said that they had reservations on the report and the cops were not discharging their duties.
Action should be taken against senior police officers, they demanded, adding that the government is not ready to increase relief amount and Rs 50,000 to Rs 70,000 are being paid to the injured.
“We had filed complaint for registering the second FIR. Order be issued for its implementation,” it was prayed.
The CJP remarked, “This is hearing of suo motu notice case. This matter does not lie with us. On one side you are saying Islamabad High Court is working and on the other side you are seeking order from us.”
When asked by CJP about fixation of responsibility, Bhatti said that Sadar SP, ASP and other officers are holding an enquiry.
The court ruled, “As per the report, an action has been taken only against junior officers. Even the names of the officers who were responsible on the day of occurrence of incident have not been mentioned. Comprehensive report be filed in this regard. As to why DPO and other senior officers were not present. Detailed report be presented on January, 14, 2015.”