NAWABSHAH: There has been a marked increase in incidents of crime in the district during the last couple of months.

District police appear to be helpless in controlling the crime or arresting the accused and recovering the looted items.

The reason given by a number of police officers to every affected citizen was the acute shortage of staff.

A senior police officer told Dawn that the criminals arrested by them were getting relief in courts after the introduction of new judicial policy.

He also said that a number of criminals were released on bail by the court just before the arrival of Chief Justice of Pakistan to Nawabshah.

He said that police stations of Nawabshah city were facing an acute shortage of staff as only 49 PCs were on duty at A-section police station, 18 at Airport and 28 at B- section covering a population of at least 0.4 million.

When contacted, the District Police Officer of Shaheed Benazirabad, Rukhsar Ahmed Khuhawar, rejected the excuses and said that the police were making all out efforts to control crime. He said that the crime reported in the last two days was due to the engagement of all the strength of district police, including 744 police constables for VVIP visits. He said that the police were kept busy in security which caused a delay to reach back on their duties.

When asked about the delay in installation of surveillance cameras at various parts of city, he said that the cameras would be installed through the district government funds which would be provided in the current financial year.

Mohammed Aslam Shaikh, President Sarrafa and Zargaran Association said that more than 12 jewellery shops were looted during last three years, including cash and theft worth million and no recoveries could be made by the police.

Faizan Qureshi, General Secretary of mobile phone association, maintained that at least ten shops were looted during last three years, however, no recoveries were made.

Abdul Qayoom Qureshi, General Secretary of Small Traders Union Sindh and Chairman Anjuman-e-Tajiran Ittehad Nawabshah, said that a number of shop looting, theft cases besides snatching of motorcycles and cash were reported in the last couple of months.

Acting Zila Nazim Shaheed Benazirabad, Abdul Haq Jamali, however, said that efforts were being made to control crime. He said that MNA Faryal Talpur has expressed her serious concern over the issue and had directed the DPO to take strict action against criminals.

He said that the district government has also provided a number of motorcycles to police for patrolling purpose whereas IG Sindh has also been requested for additional staff and vehicles.

Referring to interference of influential persons in police matter, he said that he had not received any such complaint so far.

Commenting on the prevailing scenario, Superintendent of Police (Investigation) Shaheed Benazirabad, Sarwar Abro, said that the investigation police was working hard and recovery has been made in various cases.