Two police constables were sacked on Thursday for their alleged involvement in the torture of journalist Irfan Khoso in Kaloi which had sparked anger among rights activists and members of the press in Thar last week.

Khoso was allegedly picked up by the constables in a police mobile on his way home last week and tortured by them in front of his sister. The constables then took Khoso away to a deserted place. After some time, they left him outside his house, police officials said.

Under orders from Sindh Home Minister Suhail Anwer Sial, Senior Superintendent Police (SSP) Tharparkar Ameer Saud Magsi had constituted different probe teams under the supervision of two district superintendents of police. The constables were found guilty of involvement in the incident after a week-long investigation, police said.

"Both the accused have been terminated for their involvement in the unfair use of a police van," SSP Magsi told Dawn.

The constables were identified as Zahid Hussain Lund, the nephew of senior PPP leader Muhammad Khan Lund, and Ali Raza Chandio.

Chandio held a post at Kaloi police station whereas Lund, the main accused, was serving as a junior clerk at the SSP's office in Mithi, SSP Magsi said.

Station House Officer Kaloi Sadiq Dars and Head Moharar Abdul Wahid Rajar were also suspended for their alleged involvement in the incident, according to the SSP.

The SSP ordered SHO Mubarak Rajar to register a First Information Report against Lund, Chandio and the others involved in the 'torture' of Khoso.

Journalists, rights activists and the members of civil society appreciated the impartial decision to terminate the jobs of those accused despite pressure from certain influential people in the area.