DADU: The Anti-Corruption Establishment (ACE) of Dadu on Friday arrested investigation officer (IO) of the case of 12-year-old Liaquat Ali Gopang who had been brutally murdered after sexual assault in the city in 2018.

Dadu ACE circle officer Ayaz Ahmed Bhurt arrested the accused, ASI Nazir Panhwar, after raids in different parts of the city. He said the body of the boy had been found near Bhitai hotel.

He said the IO of the case, ASI Nazeer Ahmed Panhwar, had changed the DNA report and witnesses in the case during the investigation after taking bribe from the accused killer Nawab Gopang, son of a police official Arbab Gopang.

The court acquitted Nawab and Arbab after the IO changed the evidence some 25 months ago. In the same case, Arbab Gopang, who had molested the boy, had already been arrested.

ASI Roshan Ali Gopang, the father of the victim, had submitted a request to the IGP Sindh to reinvestigate the matter 45 days ago.

On the order of the IGP, under training ASP Muneeb Ahmed reinvestigated the case and declared the IO guilty of the murder of the boy.

He also recommended registration of an FIR against the ASI as well as the accused.

After the inquiry and on the order of senior police officer Dr Abdul Khaliq Pirzado, a case was filed against the ASI at the B-Section police station for changing the DNA report and concealing the evidence.

About a month ago, the court had handed over the case to the ACE Dadu. Following directives of the court, the ACE registered FIR on Friday on the court orders. The ACE police arrested the ASI and started further probe.

Published in Dawn, October 14th, 2023