135 people killed, over 1,000 injured resisting robbers

Incidents of murders during robberies up 14 per cent in outgoing year

KARACHI:

Violent street crime remained the biggest challenge for the law enforcer in the metropolitan city throughout 2023 as 135 people were killed and as many as 1,150 injured by armed muggers in the outgoing year.

Most of the fatalities resulting from resistance during robberies occurred in District East, followed by District Central, and District West, according to

official statistics. District South reported the fewest incidents of the deadly robberies. Compared to 2022, there was a record 14% increase in the number of murders during robbery incidents in 2023.

As per details, the alarming increase is particularly evident in armed robbers firing upon unsuspecting citizens during robberies. Data indicates that over 1,100 resistance incidents occurred during robberies in various areas of the city, resulting in the death of 135 people and injuries to over 1,150.

The victims included traders, shopkeepers, students, religious scholars, government officers, police personnel, workers, and citizens from various walks of life. In 2022, 118 people were killed in violent robberies, making the 14% increase in deaths during robberies in 2023 even more concerning.

January alone saw 15 people losing their lives during robbery incidents,

Read Citizens feel unsafe due to surge in crimes: CM

followed by 11 in February, and 10 in March. The grisly trend continued throughout the year, with varying numbers of deaths in each subsequent month.

In 2023, District East saw the highest number of people, totalling 35, losing their lives to armed robbers. Central District, the largest district in the metropolis, ranked second with 26 deaths, while West District followed closely with 23 deaths during robberies. Other districts,

including Korangi, Malir, and Keamari, also reported casualties. In contrast, City District and South District reported fewer incidents, with two civilians losing their lives.

In response to the rising deaths and injuries in looting incidents, Karachi residents expressed feelings of insecurity. They highlighted the brazen presence of dacoits and looters openly carrying firearms throughout the city, emphasising the indiscriminate targeting of innocent citizens.

Criticism was directed at the failure of police authorities to secure the city and protect its residents. Concerns were raised about the vulnerability of youths, who seem to be increasingly targeted in robbery and extortion incidents. This trend, as noted from the previous year, is reflected in the significant number of youths among those who lost their lives during robbery resistance.