Police ‘involved’ in 32 Pakistan liquor deaths

Police and excise department officials were allegedly “involved” in the illicit sales of liquor in the city of Karachi, Pakistan, which left 32 people dead.

Police and excise officials were allegedly involved in illicit alcohol sales in Pakistan

Sources contributing to an inquiry into the deaths showed that six police officers – deputy superintendents of police Landhi and Korang, and station house officers of the Landhi, Zaman Town, Sharafi Goth and Ibrahim Hyderi police stations – had been directly involved in the sale of the bootleg alcohol.

“An inquiry team led by SSP-Investigation Abdul Hameed Khoso has revealed that some police and excise officials are patronising the illegal sale of liquor in the city,” said DIG-East Munir Ahmed Shaikh, head of the overall probe into the toxic alcohol fatalities, as reported by newspaper Dawn.

“I have suspended all officials concerned and will recommend to the inspector general of police to take further action against senior police officers.”

Furthermore, the sources also disclosed several areas that had become a “den of drugs including liquor”, allegedly patronised by the six officers who in return were pocketing Rs1 million each month as protection money.

The inquiry report has recommended strict action against the police officers involved.

Earlier this month it was reported 150 people were arrested in Sindh, Pakistan following the deaths of at least 17 people as a result of consuming toxic alcohol.