Patrolling policemen fatally shoot motorist

A police official allegedly opened fire on a cruising car in Orangi Town on Saturday, killing its young driver. The incident triggered a protest by the victim's family outside the local police station.

Police have registered a case against the motorcycle-riding police officers allegedly involved in the shooting, who have subsequently been taken into custody. As per police claim, a significant quantity of illegal betel nuts was found in the victim's car during the search.

SHO Pakistan Bazaar police station Shakeel Rind explained that the incident occurred near Islam Chowk in Orangi Town's Sector 11-1/2. Police signaled a suspicious white Alto car to stop, but the driver attempted to flee. Two motorcycle-riding police officers then initiated pursuit.

In an attempt to halt the fleeing car, the police officers fired warning shots into the air. When the car continued to evade them, a bullet aimed at the rear tyre, fired by the cop, hit the driver through the rear windscreen and inflicted fatal injuries to him.

The police officials claimd having discovered 29 sacks of betel-nuts inside the car. The victim, identified as Ajmal, was reported to be from Waziristan region of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa. The car in question was registered under the name of Deen Muhammad. A crime scene unit was sent to gather evidence.

SHO Rind disclosed that Amjad, the elder brother of the victim, had previously been apprehended by the Sachal and Khokhrapar police on charges to smuggling.

The Pakistan Bazaar police have registered the Section 302 based on the complaint by Sub-Inspector Javed Akhtar. The two suspected police officers have since been detained.

On the other hand, family members and relatives of the victim protested against the police in front of the SSP west office in Orangi Town. Police officials engaged with the protesters, offering assurances of cooperation, which ultimately led to the dispersal of the protesters.

In the official statement, Head Constable Shah, one of the police officials allegedly involved in the incident, explained that while patrolling the area with his fellow Constable Ahmed, they spotted a speeding Alto car. They signaled the car to stop, but the driver ignored the signal and attempted to flee.

In response, Constable Ahmed, who was riding behind, initially fired warning shots into the air. When the driver continued to evade them, Ahmed attempted to shoot the car's tyres. Due to the motorcycle's movement, the bullets inadvertently hit the driver in the neck through the rear windscreen, which proved fatal.

Police have assured the public that a thorough investigation into the incident is currently under way.

Published in The Express Tribune, September 24^th, 2023.