Korangi DC survives attack, his guard critically injured

Policeman, two other men killed in city.

KARACHI:

The Korangi deputy commissioner (DC) escaped unscathed in a targeted attack on his car in Korangi on Saturday. Meanwhile, three people were killed in separate acts of violence.

The incident took place when Korangi DC Zubair Channa was passing through the Nasir Jump area of Korangi in his black SUV when at least two armed men riding a motorcycle opened fire at him, within the limits of the Korangi Industrial Area police station. As a result, his security guard was wounded but Channa remained relatively unscathed.

Following the incident, a contingent of law enforcers reached the site and collected evidence. Korangi SP Usman Bajwa confirmed that Channa was safe but his security guard, Ishtiaq, was critically injured. The injured guard was immediately moved to Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Centre for treatment.

SP Bajwa said that the DC was on his way to the commissioner office to attend a meeting after attending a youth function in Korangi, adding that the initial investigation suggests that at least two armed men were behind the incident. SP Bajwa further said that the police have found two empty shells of the pistol used in the attack and the empties will be sent to the forensic laboratory. No case has been registered while further investigation was underway as the police try to ascertain the motive behind the attack. Channa was not available for comments.

Three killed

A member of the Shia community was shot dead in an act of target killing in Khamosh Colony in Nazimabad, within the limits of the Gulbahar police station. The deceased was identified as 35-year-old Ghulam Abbas Naqvi, son of Jafer Imam. Police officials said that the deceased used to manage archives at a private television. Inquiry officer Khalid said that at least two armed men riding a motorcycle targeted and shot at Naqvi while he was on his way to work from home. Police officials said that the motive behind the incident has yet to be ascertained.

In another incident, a young man was found dead from the Dhobi Ghat. Garden police officials said that the deceased was later identified as 30-year-old Anwar Khan. SHO Asif Munawar said that the deceased was a drug addict and was killed by his companions.

A police head constable, Muhammad Zikria, son of Muhammad Younus, was shot dead near the Landhi flyover. Quaidabad police officials said the deceased was posted with the Railway police and was busy patrolling when armed motorcyclists shot and killed him.

The deceased was the resident of the Landhi Railway Colony. His body was taken to Jinnah hospital for an autopsy.

Published in The Express Tribune, June 1^st, 2014.