The family of a man who was shot dead over some property blocked the DPO Office Chowk on Sunday to register their protest against the Samma Satta police for allegedly supporting the murders.
Several residents of the deceased’s native Karpal village also joined the protest.
The protesters said that the police had arrested the men nominated in the FIR, but had later let them go after taking Rs1 million bribe.
Ahmad Ali, father of the deceased Muhammad Hussain, said that Hussain had purchased some land from one Kalimullah on January 15. But, a few days later, he said, Kamilullah’s nephew Mian Muhammad Umair had said he wanted the land back.
He said when Hussain refused to sell it back, Umair and some men broke into his house and shot him. He said an FIR was registered with the Samma Satta police, who detained the suspects for some time, but released them after former SHO Irshad Bukhari “made a deal with the murderers”. He said former Saddar DSP Syed Ali Raza was also involved.
He alleged that the SHO and the DSP took Rs1 million from the murderers to let them go.
Ali said he had then approached ASI (Investigation) Khizar Abbas, but he said he could not do anything in the matter.
He demanded that the regional police officer take notice of the matter.
The protesters dispersed when DSP (Investigation) Jameel Chauhan and in charge of secretly Inspector Basharat visited the scene and assured the protesters that the matter will be taken before DPO Sohail Zafar Chattha.
Former SHO Bukhari denied the allegation saying that the suspects were let go because of lack of evidence against them.
Published in The Express Tribune, April 15th, 2013.