KARACHI: The family of deceased Naqeebullah Mehsud, who was killed in a police encounter a few days ago in Karachi, reached Karachi amid stringent security arrangements on Monday. According to details, Naqeeb’s parents will lodge a case of his son’s killing against Rao Anwar and his team. On the other hand, a camp has been set up for the parents of Naqeebullah where a jirga will be conducted. Rao Anwar, the head of the police team who allegedly conducted the encounter in which Naqeebullah was killed, suddenly went underground and his cell number was not working, while his home was locked. Earlier, Rao Anwar, the former Malir SSP, failed to appear before Sindh Inspector General AD Khawaja and the National Commission for Human Rights on Monday. A day earlier, a notification was issued by SP Investigation East Abid Qaimkhani, telling Anwar to appear before the IG and the commission at 10:30am on Monday. High-ranking police officials had arrived at the Central Police Office and waited for Anwar and four other officials who had been summoned. However, as the time given passed without any sign of Anwar or the other four, IGP Khawaja and the police officials left the office. Earlier on Saturday, Senior Superintendent of Police Rao Anwar refused to appear before the inquiry committee. An inquiry team, headed by Counter Terrorism Department Additional IG Sanaullah Abbasi, was formed to probe the incident. The committee ordered the suspension of Anwar and other officials involved in the incident as well as placement of Anwar’s name on the Exit Control List. Meanwhile, Rao Anwar announced on Monday that he will not appear before the investigative committee probing the Naqeebullah fake encounter case. SSP Anwar is facing an inquiry into the extrajudicial murder of Waziristan native Naqeebullah Mehsud. Mehsud, 27, was among four suspected terrorists killed in an ‘exchange of fire’ with a police team headed by SSP Anwar on January 13 in Shah Latif Town. However, his family later stated that Naqeebullah was innocent and gunned down in a fake encounter. In a brief telephonic conversation, Anwar said that there is no point in going where there’s no hope of justice. He alleged that a malicious propaganda against him is being perpetuated, and dismissed the allegation that he unlawfully held people under his custody. The former Malir SSP claimed that he is facing a one-sided inquiry. Anwar said that a few days back Sindh IG AD Khawaja announced Rs0.2 million award for police officials behind a shootout at Shahrah-e-Faisal, but later the police encounter turned questionable. “Does it mean IG Sindh was involved in the killing,” questioned Anwar. Meanwhile, police officials conducted a raid at Anwar’s residence but failed to find him there. Two individuals present at the residence were taken into custody, sources said. On the other hand, a petition seeking an inquiry against former SSP Malir Rao Anwar for allegedly killing around 250 innocent people in staged encounters was filed in the Sindh High Court (SHC) on Monday. Advocate Muzamil Mamtaz Meo Rajput filed the petition, naming Sindh Chief Secretary, Inspector General of Sindh Police, Deputy Inspector General of Police (East) and Rao Anwar as respondents. The petition alleges the police officer, who has come under fire for alleged extrajudicial murder of 27-year-old Naqeebullah, killed many innocent people in fake encounters, but hardly few complaints surfaced against him as the legal heirs of those killed didn’t seek any action against him out of fear of persecution at the hand of the police. Those who dared approach higher authorities for legal action against the police officer were not paid any heed, it states. The petitioner wondered why Anwar was never transferred from Malir district despite serious allegations levelled against him. In yet another development, SSP (Investigation), Abid Qaimkhani said on Monday that suspended SSP Rao Anwar and his associates would be arrested if they fail to cooperate with the police. While speaking with journalists, Qaimkhani said strict departmental action will be taken against people found involved in the case. The official said that the police have been unable to contact the former Malir SSP. Qaimkhani informed that senior officials tried to contact Anwar through various sources, but to no avail. He added that notices were also posted in this purpose. Published in Daily Times, January 23rd 2018.