KARACHI: The Sindh police on Thursday decided to release what they described as ‘black book’ carrying names and details of notorious dacoits and kidnappers with head money.

A statement issued by the central police office said the decision to release ‘black book’ was taken at a meeting chaired by Sindh Police IG Ghulam Hyder Jamali that also reviewed the law and order situation across the province with special reference to kidnapping for ransom and other heinous crimes.

“The meeting decided to get published ‘black book’ having names of dacoits and kidnappers for whom the authorities have announced heady money,” said the statement. “The Sindh IG has asked the DIG of special branch to update the list and include those names as well which have been traced and identified recently in coordination and consultation with respective DIGs. After that the updated list would be sent to the home department for notification.”

The meeting was attended among others by the additional IGPs of specials branch, crime branch, Karachi range, DIGs of headquarters, Larkana range, Hyderabad range, Mirpur­khas range, Shaheed Benazirabad range, west zone, south zone, east zone, Karachi and the AIG of operations of Sindh.

“After the notification from the home department for the new names in the list, ‘black book’ will be updated and released,” said the statement. “The meeting also decided that special teams under district SSPs will be raised to eliminate different gangs involved in kidnapping for ransom. Similarly, all range DIGs will be responsible for developing respective rapid response force for providing manpower to the special teams.”

The Sindh IG also issued directives to intensify the ongoing operations against criminals in Karachi in proper coordination with Sindh Rangers and other law enforcement agencies.

Replying to a question about the reason for releasing the book, the Sindh police spokesman said the decision was made in line with international policing standards.

“‘Red Book’ carries names of terrorists and those associated with international network, which has a history of terrorising people through bombing, indiscriminate firing and planning of any other activity that has caused losses to people’s life and property,” he said.

Published in Dawn, November 7th, 2014