Girl killed in guard-robbers crossfire

Victim was going to school with father when a bullet hit her in the head

KARACHI:

Newly-surfaced CCTV footage shows the tragic incident involving the death of a third-grade student, Maryam, due to a fire exchange between a security guard and suspected robbers in the Buffer Zone area.

In the video footage, the incident unfolds within the jurisdiction of Taimuria police station. Three men can be seen seated at a roadside restaurant, enjoying their breakfast. A staff member is serving their order. In the meantime two motorcycle-riding robbers appear on the scene.

The robbers swiftly target the men having their breakfast. However, what stands out in the footage is the presence of a security guard positioned inside the restaurant. The guard opens fire on the robbers from inside the restaurant, attempting to thwart their criminal activities. The robbers manage to escape from the scene, leaving behind a tense and alarming situation.

As per earlier reports, Saqib Munawar, a resident of Sector 15/AB in Buffer Zone, was escorting his seven-year-old daughter, Maryam, to her school. Maryam was seated behind her father when tragedy struck. A gunshot from the roadside struck Maryam’s head.

She was initially rushed to a nearby hospital in severe condition and later transferred to Abbasi Shaheed Hospital, where Maryam, despite medical care, succumbed to her injuries. Police reached the scene and recorded Munawar’s statement.

He reported witnessing two suspects racing on the opposite side of the road, with a security guard chasing them. An exchange of fire occurred between the suspects and the guard. Munawar refused to pursue legal action.

In the light of Munawar’s statement, police arrested Ali Raza, the security guard, and initiated an inquiry.

Authorities have seized a .222 rifle and a spent round from the guard, as confirmed by SSP Central District Faisal Abdullah Chachad.

The confiscated weapon has been sent for forensic analysis. It remains uncertain whether the fatal shot that claimed Maryam’s life was fired by the guard or by the fleeing robbers. Police continue to investigate this matter.

Meanwhile, Maryam’s grandfather, Sohail Akhtar, shared that Maryam was the second of four siblings. Her father is a professor at Nazir Hussain University.

In order to investigate thoroughly, SP Faisal Abdullah Chachad has formed a four-member investigative team. The team, led by SDPO North Nazimabad Jehandad Akram, includes SDPO Shadman Muhammad Javed, SHO Taimuria Zulfiqar Hyder, and SHO Shahrah Noor Jahan Qamar Javed Kayani. They have been instructed to employ all available resources to swiftly apprehend the suspects and provide regular performance reports.

The team has recorded initial statements of on-scene witnesses and the detained security officer. The incident occurred amidst a confrontation between the security guard and the suspected criminals, as explained by police officials.

Published in The Express Tribune, September 15^th, 2023.