Key Takeaways
- An inquiry report into a scuffle in Karachi's DHA Phase 6 found the allegations in the FIR not substantiated.
- The report recommends departmental action against police officials involved in the incident.
- The incident was sparked by a parking dispute between the mother-in-law of a police officer and another resident.
An inquiry report into a physical altercation that went viral on social media in Karachi's Defence Housing Authority (DHA) Phase 6 has found that the allegations in the first information report (FIR) were not substantiated. The report, submitted to the Karachi police additional inspector general, recommends disciplinary action against the involved police officials.
The incident, captured on CCTV footage, showed police officials restraining a woman as she was attacked by another woman with a dumbbell. However, the FIR was registered against the woman who was assaulted and her brother, sparking public outrage.
The inquiry, conducted by South Deputy Inspector General (DIG) Syed Asad Raza, examined all available documentary and electronic data, including CCTV footage and mobile phone footage. The report also recorded statements from 13 people involved in the incident.
The inquiry found that the incident was triggered by a parking dispute between the mother-in-law of Korangi Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Fida Hussain Janwari and another resident. The police officials visible in the CCTV footage were identified as constables Saqib and Haider Sultan, while Constable Taimoor Ahmed was responsible for destroying the CCTV camera, and Constable Amir Sohail handed over his weapon for this purpose.
The report recommends that an FIR should be registered against the SSP’s mother-in-law and her daughter and son, as well as the police officials present at the time of the incident. It also suggests that the victim family should be encouraged to initiate legal action against them.
The report criticizes the actions of Darakshan Station House Officer Rashid Ali and Assistant Sub-inspector Aftab Mangi for making on-the-spot arrests without justifiable evidence. It also points out that the investigating officer, identified as SIP Imran, did not make serious efforts to collect evidence or independently apply his mind to the case.
The inquiry report concludes that the actions of constables Taimoor and Amir facilitated the incident and recommends strict departmental action against them for their role in the miscarriage of justice.
The report recommends that the case be disposed of in accordance with the law and that the victim family should be encouraged to initiate legal action against the involved parties.
