September 26, 2008	Friday	Ramazan 25, 1429

SUKKUR, Sept 25: A jirga held in Machko town near Ubauro imposed a fine of Rs1.2 million on a former station-house officer (SHO) of Rohri after finding him guilty of killing a man belonging to the Solangi community in a fake encounter two years ago.

The jirga was convened on Wednesday evening to resolve the matter between the Solangi community and the police. Sardar Aslam Khan Solangi and Pir of Bharchoondi Sharif Mian Abdul Khaliq headed the jirga.

The accused, former SHO Ali Mohammad Mahar, and parents of the deceased, Hidayatullah Solangi, were also present.

The jirga, after hearing arguments from both sides, found the former policeman guilty of killing Mr Solangi in a fake encounter and imposed a fine of Rs1.2 million.

Accepting the jirga’s verdict, the former SHO paid Rs200,000 on the spot and promised to pay the remaining amount within two months.

Parents of the victim said that they would withdraw a petition filed in the Sindh High Court, Sukkur circuit bench, over the issue after payment of the total amount.

On Dec 25, 2006 the then SHO Rohri, Ali Mohammad Mahar, along with police constables Mumtaz Mahar and Anwar Mahesar had killed Hidayatullah Solangi near Rohri and declared him a dacoit.

The victim’s father, Azizullah Solangi, had filed a petition in the Sindh High Court.