KARACHI, Sept 12: Sindh Ombudsman Haziqul Khairi has taken suo motu notice of harassment of couples visiting recreational spots by police and issued notice to the city police chief to attend his office on Sept 23 and inform him whether remedial action has been taken to check the malice.

The citizens have been advised to send written complaints in this regard to the Ombudsman’s Secretariat, Shahrah-i-Kamal Atta Turk, or appear at the office on the date at 11:30am.

It has been reported in the press that the police have been harassing citizens visiting the recreational spots with their consorts on the pretext that such outings are cognizable. Errant policemen have reportedly demanded “Nikahnamas” from the picnickers.

This has particularly been happening at frequently visited beaches, like Hawks Bay, Sandspit and Clifton, Hill Park and area adjoining the Seaview Apartments.

The apparent intent behind such behavior of the police is extortion of bribery.

Editorial comments have appeared in papers strongly deprecating the police ill-behavior and maltreatment.—PPI