Man killed, two injured by speeding police van in Karachi

Police van part of former Karachi Police chief Mushtaq Mahar's security protocol

KARACHI: A young man was killed and two others riding a motorcycle were injured when a speeding police van, which was a part of former Karachi Police chief Mushtaq Mahar's security protocol, hit them in the jurisdiction of Darakhshan Police station on Tuesday night.

The speeding police van, licence plate number SPM777, struck the motorcycle at the traffic signal of Khayaban-e-Shujaat and Khayaban-e-Mujahid.  They were shifted to Jinnah Hospital where the deceased was identified as 23-year-old Muhammad Abrar, son of Muhammad Siddiqi. The injured were identified as 18-year-old Muhammad Saood, son of Muhammad Tariq, and 18-year-old Muhammad Kamran, son of Ameer Hamza. They were residents of Fine House Umar Colony Baloch Bridge and worked at a restaurant at Sea View.

Quick-thinking residents rescue 15 children from burning van in Karachi

They were returning home from work when the speeding police mobile hit them. SSP Pir Muhammad Shah said that the police mobile which hit the motorcycle was part of the security detail provided to senior police officials. He said that according to reports, the van was part of the security details provided to former AIG Mushtaq Mehar, but they couldn't contact him and so the reports hadn't been confirmed. Mushtaq Mahar is currently posted as executive director of State Life, according to their website.

He further said that case no. 38/2019 had been filed under Sections 320 and 337 G at Darakhshan Police Station and investigations had been started. The police mobile was taken into custody and police officials involved in the case have been included in the investigations. South Police spokesperson said that the police van was with the former Karachi Police chief and was returning from duty when the accident occurred.

Published in The Express Tribune, January 17^th, 2019.