KARACHI: Jail authorities have questioned the mandate of the Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD) of police to investigate a case against prison officials for their alleged role in the escape of two high-profile militants at a time when the CTD was also a complainant in the case, according to officials and documents obtained by Dawn on Saturday.

The jail authorities also accused the CTD police of implicating them in a “false case that is causing mental torture” to their officials.

Such serious charges of the jail administration against the CTD prompted Inspector General of Police A.D. Khowaja to transfer the investigation of the latest case registered against the jail officials recently over charges of ‘obstructing’ the jailbreak probe.

On Sept 28, the CTD registered a fresh case (FIR No 157/2017) against the jail officials under Sections 201 (causing disappearance of evidence of offence, or giving false information to screen offender), 186 (obstructing public servant in discharge of public functions), 353 (assault or criminal force to deter public servant from discharge of his duty), 109 (abetment) and 34 (common intention) of the Pakistan Penal Code read with section 7 of the Anti-Terrorism Act, 1997.

Sindh IGP transfers investigation of case against present prison officials to Crime Branch

“With the approval of competent authority (IGP), the investigation of case (FIR No. 157/2017 u/s 201/186/353/109/34-PPC r/w 7-ATA of PS CTD Operation District East) is hereby transferred Mr. Aftab Pathan, Addl. IGP Crime Branch Sindh for further investigation,” said an order issued by Additional IGP (Operations) Tanveer Odho.

It added that AIG Pathan would personally supervise the investigation of the case and depute a responsible officer for “early detection and impartial investigation on merit.”

This development came after filing of a written complaint by the present senior superintendent of Central Prison Karachi, Mohammad Hassan Sahito and other officials, which was submitted to the IGP through IG Prisons, according to the letter whose copy was obtained by Dawn.

The CTD authorities allegedly harassed and gave threats to jail officials from time to time for implicating them in false cases, according to the letter. They registered two more cases (FIR No 145/17, 157/17) at the CTD police station in addition to the third FIR (No 149/17) registered at the New Town police station against the present jail staff.

“Resultantly prison administration is upset, disappointed and shocked as to why they have been implicated in false and fabricated FIRs though they are performing duties with hard work and proper watch and vigilance.”

The jail officials said: “The act of CTD authorities will put ‘bad impact’ on all staff as no one will be willing to perform duties in prison and of course prisoners affiliated with different banned organisations as well as other high-profile hitmen of different political parties will take advantage of such prevailing chaos being initiated by the authorities of CTD.

“After the escape of two under-trial prisoners affiliated with banned organization, Lashkar-i-Jhangvi from ‘New Judicial Complex, adjacent to Central Prison Karachi’ on June 13, the prison administration is taking ‘drastic efforts continuously for last three months for restoration of prison writ/discipline among the prisoners and make the atmosphere of prison at its normal routine and as per rules.”

Jailers reject allegations

Regarding demands of the CTD authorities to provide memory cards, knives, scissors etc seized during the search operation by the Rangers, the jail authorities in their letter contended that these confiscated items were in the custody of the Rangers authorities and this had been conveyed to the CTD investigators by the jail officials in writing.

The prison administration also claimed that they had ‘coordinated’ with the CTD investigators whenever the latter desired and never ‘concealed’ any document or evidence in this connection.

The jail officials also made it clear that no torture or threat had been given to any prisoner or staff to stop them from recording statements. “The CTD authorities frequently visited the prison and were allowed to meet any prisoner regarding investigation in separate place or room and they (jailers) always provided opportunities and made them free for the purpose.”

‘Complainant can’t be investigator’

The prison administration argued that the CTD which was complainant in the case could not be investigator at the same time. “The CTD authorities are the complainant in the FIRs registered at the CTD police station and how can they investigate the case?” the letter stated.

The present jail officials urged the police chief through IG prisons for the ‘cancellation’ of the FIRs (No 145/17 and 157/17) or transfer of the investigation from the CTD to other police agencies in the three FIRs. The six jail officials, including senior superintendent, further asked the authorities to allow them to continue their work without ‘mental torture’.

CTD’s response

In response to the serious allegations, CTD DIG Amir Farooqi said: “They [jailers] have not handed us things recovered during the jail search [by the Rangers]. Investigation is not moving forward. Whether we do investigation or someone else, it doesn’t matter. Important thing is that truth should be brought forward. We will put all things before court for them to decide.”

Published in Dawn, October 1st, 2017

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