HYDERABAD: DIG Sukkur Range Syed Pir Muhammad Shah has accused SSP Ghotki district Hafeez-ur-Rehman Bugti of colluding with local bandits, supporting longstanding claims from residents that certain police officers are working in concert with dacoits in the riverbed regions of Sukkur and Larkana divisions. This accusation follows similar claims made by an arrested SHO from the Raunti police station, known for its unrest.
In a letter addressed to IGP Sindh on October 16, DIG Shah expressed concern over Bugti’s alleged engagement with notorious criminals linked to serious offenses, including the killing of police officers, kidnappings for ransom, and arms theft.
“His involvement with these criminal elements undermines law enforcement efforts and endangers both police and local citizens,” Shah stated.
The controversy erupted following an attack on former MPA Shaharyar Shar in a riverine area near Raunti police station. While Shar escaped unharmed, two of his associates, including a wanted dacoit, were killed.
An FIR was filed by Mumtaz Ali Shar, brother of one of the deceased, naming around fifteen individuals, including SHO Raunti police station Shakoor Lakho. Following directives from SSP Ghotki, Lakho was arrested on October 16 and subsequently presented to an anti-terrorism court, which granted a seven-day remand for police custody.
DIG Shah criticized the SSP’s actions, highlighting that police officers in Ghotki are struggling with the idea that the same criminals responsible for the deaths of their colleagues are being treated leniently.
He noted that six police officers had already lost their lives to these “barbaric outlaws” this year.
Shah urged prompt action to uphold the integrity of the police force and prevent further misconduct that could tarnish the department’s reputation and disrespect the memories of fallen officers. He cautioned that the SSP’s relationships with bandits should not be misconstrued as efforts to reconcile tribal disputes, as these tribes often harbor armed factions.
