KARACHI: Four policemen were suspended on Sunday over the alleged custodial torture of a groom in Karachi, DawnNews report.
The groom was shifted to a private hospital in Gulistan-i-Jauhar area of Karachi following complaints of stomach ache, according to police sources. But family sources claimed that the policemen had tortured the suspect, resulting in the deterioration of his condition.
Meanwhile doctors at the hospital said that the condition of the suspect was out of danger.
The suspect, affiliated with the Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM), was arrested at Shah Faisal area while he was en route to Orangi town along with his wedding party late on Saturday.
Later four policemen, including the Investigating officer of the case, were suspended whereas provincial Information Minister Sharjeel Memon announced that departmental action would be taken against the suspended cops after the probe into the incident was completed.
Moreover, the provincial government issued a notification posting SSP (east) as the investigating officer in the case under the supervision of DIG (east)
Following the arrest, members of the grooms family and leaders of the MQM staged protests in front of Karachi Press Club and the Chief Minister House demanding the release of the suspect.
MQM chief Altaf Hussain also condemned the arrest of the party activists and alleged extra-judicial killings and announced that he would deliver an address to his party workers at 5 pm (local time) today.
The arrest of the groom was confirmed by SSP East of Karachi police who claimed that there were three pending cases against the suspect, included that of a policeman's killing. He further said that the suspect would be produced before the court of a judicial magistrate (east) in order to obtain a remand.
Meanwhile, AIG Shahid Hayat had also announced a reward for the police party which had made the arrest.
The incident comes a day after the MQM observed a day of mourning in the city against the alleged extrajudicial killings and enforced disappearances of party workers.