KARACHI: Police informed the Sindh High Court that a departmental action was being initiated against over 90 policemen for supporting the manufacturing and sale of gutka and mainpuri in the province.

An assistant inspector general (legal) filed a report on behalf of the inspector general of police while other respondents also submitted their replies in the compliance with earlier court orders.

The police report also asserted that over 300 raids were carried out by the provincial taskforce, set up to combat the menace of gutka and mainpuri, from March 29 to July 19 across the province, lodged 305 cases, around 395 suspects were detained and recovered huge quantity of gutka, mainpuri and mawa as well as manufacturing ingredients & equipment.

The bench headed by Justice Salahuddin Panhwar said that it had time and again issued directives to the police and Rangers to take action against the persons involved in manufacturing and sale of gutka, mainpuri and similar items as well as to take action against the officials who are involved in selling or supporting the gutka mafia.

A report of provincial task force regarding initiation of departmental action against the police officers/officials district wise is also produced on record, it added.

The report further said that eight deputy superintendents of police, 17 inspectors, 16 sub-inspectors, nine ASIs, 16 head constables and 28 constables were facing departmental action.

The AIG assured the bench that hectic efforts were being taken to eliminate selling and preparation of gutka in the province and protection will be provided to the petitioner in accordance with law.

Thereafter, the bench disposed of a petition filed by a lawyer seeking protection from the gutka mafia as the petitioner contended that he was being harassed through criminals since he had filed petitions against such mafia.

Published in Dawn, August 3rd, 2023