Court hands over two cops to police on four-day remand

Police register firing incident of alleged encounter at Rexer Bridge, include two policemen in investigation

KARACHI: A local court on Friday handed over two policemen, arrested in the case of an alleged encounter at Rexer Bridge, for a four-day physical remand.

The police produced the accused cops before the court of a judicial magistrate, where the investigation officer (IO) sought a 14-day remand for investigation. The court however, handed over policemen, Farhad and Irshad Malangi, to the police on a four-day physical remand.

The alleged encounter took place on Wednesday resulting in the death of constable Sohail Shah son of Malik Shah, and injuring Farhad. Malangi remained safe.

The Soldier Bazaar Police registered the case of the late-night firing incident 365/2018 on behalf of the government on the charges of murder, attempt to murder and snatching. Six accused, including Nadir Chapra alias Arbab, Faisal alias Bhai, Shahnawaz Baloch, Asad alias Nacha, Abul Haq alias Abu and Farhan Memon, have been nominated in the case.

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According to the FIR, the accused seized 9mm and 30 bore pistols from the deceased and injured policemen. When the police reached the site of the incident, constable Sohail was lying severely injured while the injured cop Farhad and Malangi were standing next to him. Sohail revealed the names of the attackers and passed away during the course of treatment.

The police found four bullet shells of 9mm pistol which have been sent for forensic analysis. The Soldier Bazaar Police said that the three policemen were armed. Sohail sustained six bullet injuries, while Farhad sustained one bullet wound in his arm. Malangi remained unhurt in the crossfire. Suspecting foul play, the police arrested Farhad and Malangi and included them in investigations.

Soldier Bazaar SHO and other police officers were reluctant to share details of the incident and investigations. However, sources said the incident of firing occurred due to the issue of alleged dealing between policemen and drug peddlers.

Referring to the incident at Rexer Bridge, East SSP said that three districts - West, East and South - connect at the point where the incident occurred.

He said that police have taken more than half a dozen people into custody for interrogation. He said that the two policemen in custody have given contradictory statements.

He added that the area had been geo-fenced and mobile phone data of the policemen was also being collected. He informed that some private beaters of Soldier Bazaar Police Station, who collect a cut on behalf of senior police officers from the dens of illegal activities in their areas, had also been taken into custody.

Sohail was stationed at the Brigade Police Station, while Farhad and Malangi were posted at Pak Colony Police Station.