KARACHI: In violation of standard operating procedures (SOPs), police on Tuesday produced a high-profile woman accused of drug peddling, identified as Anmol alias Pinky, before a judicial magistrate (South) in Karachi without handcuffs and under special protocol.
According to police officials, Pinky was arrested a day earlier from Karachi’s Garden area and was wanted in 10 different criminal cases. Police said she had been absconding for a long time.
Officials claimed that weapons, cocaine and other drugs worth around Rs1.5 million were recovered from her possession. Investigators further alleged that she was operating a drug supply network across the port city.
Police said the suspect used online methods to distribute narcotics through specific riders across Karachi and had also employed female riders as part of her alleged network.
After hearing arguments from both sides, the judicial magistrate sent the accused to jail on judicial remand.
The incident drew widespread attention after a video surfaced on social media showing Pinky, wearing sunglasses, walking freely without handcuffs while being escorted by police personnel inside the court premises.
The special treatment allegedly extended to the suspect triggered strong criticism on social media platforms, with users questioning the conduct of the police officials involved.
Taking notice of the apparent SOP violation, Azad Khan ordered an inquiry into the incident to determine the role of the relevant officers.
According to a spokesperson for the Karachi police chief, AIG Azad Khan stated that violations of the law and SOPs would not be tolerated and emphasised that all Karachi police officers and personnel are bound to follow rules and regulations.
Separately, Javed Alam Odho also took notice of the matter and sought a detailed report from the Karachi AIG.
The Sindh police chief directed the immediate suspension of the investigation officer and staff members found guilty of negligence. He also ordered the formation of an investigation committee comprising senior officers to ensure a transparent inquiry into the incident.
Later, Zia-ul-Hassan Lanjar also sought a report from the Karachi AIG and directed authorities to conduct a transparent investigation into the matter.
The home minister vowed strict action against all officials found responsible and announced that a joint investigation team (JIT) would be formed to probe the incident.
Referring to the alleged protocol given to the suspect, Lanjar said such conduct was unacceptable under any circumstances and stressed that those responsible for violating SOPs should be punished according to the law.
“Police uniform is a symbol of public trust,” the minister said, warning that misuse of authority would not be tolerated.
“The Sindh government will not compromise on the rule of law,” he added.