Prominent Hindu doctor gunned down in 'targeted hit'

Dr Genani had served as the head of the Spencer Eye Hospital

KARACHI:

Prominent ophthalmologist Dr Birbal Genani was shot dead and his assistant injured after unidentified men shot them near the Garden Interchange of the Lyari Expressway in Karachi on Thursday. 

The deceased doctor had his private practice in Ranchore Line area in downtown from where he was headed home when he was attacked.

Widely respected, Dr Genani had also served as the head of the Spencer Eye Hospital in Lea Market. He was also the director of medical and health services at the Karachi Municipal Corporation. He made headlines last year as part of the father-daughter duo that did their MBA together.

According to Jamshed Quarter Superintendent of Police Zubair Tanoli, who was at the crime scene, Dr Genani had taken his usual route. He left his private clinic and was headed towards the interchange to take the expressway for his residence in Gulshan-e-Iqbal. 

When he was near the expressway entrance, armed men on a motorcycle shot at him. Two bullets hit him in the head proved fatal. Dr Quratul Ain, 32, had worked with Dr Genani for almost a decade. She was in the car and injured in the shooting. She was taken to the hospital for treatment.

Police found shells of 9mm bullets at the scene of the incident.

SSP City Arif Aziz, who was also present at the spot along with a heavy contingent of law enforcement, said that it would be premature to say anything about the motives. “It seems the attackers were well aware of Dr Genani’s movements and routes,” he said.

Police added they were collecting CCTV footage and recording statements of witnesses.

Published in The Express Tribune, March 31^st, 2023.