Father of four killed in police-bandits crossfire in Karachi

Death toll in street crimes rises to 48 so far this year in the Sindh capital

KARACHI:

A passerby was killed after getting caught in a firefight between police and armed muggers near Ayub Goth river in the city’s Sohrab Goth area on Saturday.

Police managed to arrest one of the suspects in injured condition and recovered firearms from his possession. This latest fatality brings the toll to 48 people killed in street robberies so far this year.

According to Shahzad Ilyas, SHO Sohrab Goth police station, two armed muggers on a motorcycle were trying to flee after committing a robbery in Ayub Goth. A police patrol noticed the suspects and tried to apprehend them, prompting the robbers to open random fire. A bullet struck an innocent passerby, identified as Kanchi, resulting in his instant death.

Local residents joined police to chase the fleeing suspects. After a brief chase, police confronted them again, leading to another exchange of gunfire. One of the suspects, Naseem Abdul Ghafoor, sustained injuries in the crossfire and was subsequently arrested. Police recovered two pistols and a motorcycle from his possession, while the other suspect managed to escape on foot.

Also read: Chaos after young man killed resisting robbery in Karachi

The deceased, Kanchi, was shifted to Abbasi Shaheed Hospital for a post-mortem examination, after which his body was handed over to his family.

Speaking to the media at the hospital, Kanchi’s brother revealed that the deceased was a factory worker and has left behind a widow, three daughters, and a son. The fatal tragedy occurred as Kanchi was returning home after work.

The bereaved family has urged authorities to apprehend and prosecute all criminals involved in the incident. Alarmingly, this year has witnessed a grim toll of 48 lives lost to robberies, including that of a young girl and a police officer.