Street crimes surge is a big issue, admits city police chief
In a surprising development, street crime has dropped in the port city in Ramazan. PHOTO: AFP
City police chief AIG Javed Alam Odho, who has been under severe criticism for his recent controversial remarks, admitted on Monday that street crimes is the biggest challenge in the metropolitan city.
Earlier this month, AIG Odho sought to hold the traders' community responsible for creating a sense of insecurity by hyping street crimes on the media. This statement was interpreted as victim-blaming and condemned by the MQM.
On Monday, he said that his statement was being misinterpreted. "Karachi's business community is the backbone of the country. It plays a pivotal role in national economy," AIG Odho said while addressing a function organized by the Korangi Association of Trade and Industry (KATI).
The police official said that he was born and raised in Federal B Area of Karachi. "The city's business community and police have a strong relationship. Together they will eradicate street crimes from the city," he added.
AID Odho revealed that a police mobile van allegedly involved in a carjacking incident in Allahwala Town has been identified. The mobile van featured in the CCTV footage of the incident belongs to ACLV. Officials in civvies are suspected of being criminals, he said, adding that they are investigating police negligence in the incident.
Published in The Express Tribune, September 27th, 2022.