SUKKUR: An investigation has begun into allegations that SHO Abdul Shakoor Lako of the Shaheed Deen Mohammad Leghari (SDML) police station was involved in a shooting incident on Monday (October 14) targeting former MPA Sardar Shaheryar Khan Shar near the riverine area of Ghotki district.
During the attack, Sardar Shar’s bodyguard, Ali Mohammad Shar, was killed, and two of his associates, Jan Mohammad Bugti and Sohrab Shar, were injured. Although Sardar Shaharyar escaped unharmed, his location was unknown for several hours after the incident, prompting a large police contingent, equipped with armored personnel carriers, to conduct a rescue operation in the riverine area near Ubauro town.
The attack occurred at Nek Morr, which falls under the jurisdiction of the SDML police station in Ubauro taluka. Two days later, on October 16, an FIR was filed against 19 named suspects and three unidentified individuals at the SDML police station, with SHO Lako among those named.
On Wednesday, Ghotki SSP Hafeezur Rehman Bugti took SHO Lako into custody based on the FIR. It remains unclear if any of the other suspects have been detained or arrested since the incident.
Allegations of Conspiracy
SHO Lako appeared confused when taken into custody by the SSP, reportedly without a prior inquiry into the allegations against him. He expressed concerns that the situation was part of a conspiracy against him, stating, “The SSP wants to implicate me with ulterior motives,” as reported by local journalists during his court appearance.
Lako further voiced fears for his safety, suggesting he might be targeted for elimination.
Investigation Transferred to Sukkur Police
In response to the situation, Sindh Inspector General of Police (IGP) Ghulam Nabi Memon appointed Sukkur SSP Amjad Ahmed Shaikh to oversee the investigation. Following this, SHO Abdul Shakoor Lako was transferred to the custody of a Sukkur police team that traveled to Ghotki.
Details of the FIR
The FIR was lodged by Mumtaz Ali Shar, the brother of the deceased bodyguard, who was also a close associate of Sardar Shaheryar Shar. The case has been registered under various sections of the Pakistan Penal Code, including murder and attempted murder, as well as Section 7 of the Anti-Terrorism Act.
According to the FIR, on October 14, 2024, around 3:30 PM, armed assailants attacked the vehicle carrying Sardar Shaheryar Shar and his companions near Nek Morr, resulting in the death of Ali Mohammad Khan Shar and injuries to the others. The complainant named 19 suspects in the FIR, alleging that the attack was orchestrated by SHO Lako.
Following the registration of the FIR, Ghotki SSP Hafeezur Rehman Bugti suspended SHO Lako.
SSP Bugti’s Video Statement
In a video message circulating on social media, SSP Bugti clarified his position regarding the case, stating that an FIR had been filed, naming SHO Abdul Shakoor Lako. He assured that merit would be upheld and justice pursued, with plans to conduct raids to apprehend the remaining suspects. Bugti also committed to keeping the Sukkur DIG informed about the case’s developments, emphasizing that the IGP would be updated as well.
