Chaos after young man killed resisting robbery in Karachi

Mob overpowers one mugger, beats him to death near Millennium Mall in Gulistan-e-Jauhar

KARACHI:

Chaos erupted as muggers opened fire during a looting incident on the bridge near Millennium Mall in Gulistan-e-Jauhar on Friday. One person was killed and another critically injured in the brazen broad daylight robbery.

As per details, the victim, identified as 38-year-old Syed Ali Rahbar, resisted the armed muggers, but fell victim to their indiscriminate firing. Syed Irfan Ahmed, 55, sustained critical injuries but survived.

According to eyewitnesses, four muggers on two motorcycles were robbing passersby when Rahbar confronted them. The muggers panicked and opened fire, killing Rahbar and critically injuring Ahmed.

Citizens present there responded immediately and apprehended one robber and lynched him to death. A handgun was recovered from the bandit who appears to be 25-year old. However, his identity remains unknown.

Sindh Home Minister Zia Ul Hassan Lanjar suspended Inspector Raja Tariq, SHO Sharae Faisal police station, and ordered an inquiry into police responsiveness. He also underlined the need for improved law enforcement measures.

Syed Ali Rahbar, a resident of Regency Heights, Gulshan-e-Iqbal, leaves behind a grieving family. His father, Akhtar Hussain, spoke of his son's valiant spirit and his own commitment to Pakistan, urging an end to the rampant corruption plaguing the nation. Akhtar Husasin said that today his father Syed Yawwar Hussain better known as Kaif Banarsi was an activist of the Pakistan movement. "We are a family of the founders of the nation. Today my son was killed in a country that my father fought for," he said in a voice cracking with emotions.

The funeral prayers for Rahbar were held at an imambargah in Azizabad, followed by burial at Wadi-e-Hussain graveyard.

Published in The Express Tribune, March 30^th, 2024.