Inquiry finds CCTV footage missing in “Pinky” protocol case

KARACHI: A police inquiry into the protocol provided to alleged drug suspect Anmol alias “Pinky” during her initial court appearance has held several officers responsible and recommended disciplinary and legal action.

According to the inquiry report prepared by Deputy Inspector General (DIG) West Irfan Baloch and submitted to senior officials, statements from 17 police officers and personnel were recorded, including Karachi City Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Ali Hassan and the SP Investigation City.

The report held the district SSP, the Garden police station SHO and the station investigation officer responsible for the incident.

It also found that CCTV footage from the Garden police station, covering the suspect’s arrival and transfer to court, had gone missing.

The report said the suspect was given special protocol during her court appearance, which damaged the police force’s reputation.

It recommended departmental and legal action against Garden SHO Hanif Siyal, as well as a separate inquiry into his conduct.

It further stated that two suspended female police officers involved in escorting the suspect were not trained for handling high-profile cases and were not informed about her background.

The inquiry also revealed that the suspect’s criminal record office (CRO) process was not completed after her arrest, and that investigation police were not informed by operations police.

Separately, the Counter Terrorism Department (CTD) has initiated an inquiry against two personnel over alleged links with the suspect.

According to CTD sources, Assistant Sub-Inspector Kafeel and Constable Ali Qureshi, both posted at CTD Civil Lines, are being investigated for allegedly remaining in contact with her.