On April 14, 2024, news reports initially circulated that Barkat Sajidi died from a gunshot wound to the neck while cleaning his gun. However, these reports were later revised to claim it was a suicide. Local accounts and the surrounding circumstances, however, strongly suggest foul play.
The killing of Barkat Sajidi who was Naib Tehsildar in the Levies Department, has sparked outrage and disbelief. Currently, he was serving as Station House Officer (SHO) of the Awaran Tehsil. The district administration of Awaran has declared it a suicide, but Paank data collection team has conducted a thorough investigation, and we can confidently say that this was not a suicide – it was a cold-blooded murder.
The incident in the Awaran district has raised serious concerns. The information gathered by PAANK strongly suggests foul play. There are clear indications that Barkat Sajidi was tortured and subsequently shot, and his dead body was placed in a car. Soon after, a photo was taken with a gun in his hand. The act of placing a gun in his hand and staging the scene to resemble a suicide is a blatant attempt to cover up the crime. The information we gathered contradicts this narrative.
A transparent investigation is essential. The district administration officials, including the Deputy Commissioner and whole Levies department, must be held accountable for their actions. The soldiers who were present at the time of Barkat Sajidi’s death require questioning to shed light on the events that transpired.
The situation in Balochistan is dire, with human rights violations becoming a norm. The killing of Barkat Sajidi is just one example of the injustice that has been plaguing Balochistan for far too long. It is a clear reflection of the deteriorating law and order situation in the region.
We urge the authorities to take swift action and arrest those responsible for this heinous crime. The accused involved in this murder must be brought to justice and face the full extent of the law. It is crucial for the credibility of the district administration and the Levies department to be restored, and the first step towards that is ensuring a fair and thorough investigation into the killing of Barkat Sajidi.