Businessman shot dead by cousin over personal grudge

A middle-aged businessman was fatally shot allegedly by his friend and cousin outside his house in the upscale Defence Housing Authority (DHA) in the early hours of Sunday, police said.

The fatal shooting took place on Khayaban-e-Janbaz in DHA’s Phase V. The assailant fired a barrage of gunfire, hitting the victim multiple times. The victim, identified as 45-year-old Humayun, died on the spot, while his companion, Hammam Javed, also sustained minor injuries in the assault.

According to a police spokesman, the suspected assailant, identified as Fahad Khan, alias Fadi, reportedly held a personal grudge against the victim, who was his cousin and friend. A verbal argument escalated when Fahad confronted Humayun outside his home, resulting in a fatal shooting, the spokesman added.

Family members revealed that Humayun, a father of two, was a prominent businessman, owning a motorcycle showroom at Akbar Market in Saddar. Fahad, the accused killer, shared familial ties with the victim.

According to eyewitnesses, the altercation originated at a gathering near Sea View, where an argument started between Humayun and Fahad. Despite attempts by friends to defuse the situation, the confrontation escalated upon their return to Humayun's residence, resulting in the fatal shooting.

The Darakhshan police, upon receiving reports of the incident, reached the spot and started an investigation. They recovered crucial forensic evidence from the crime scene including multiple bullet shells and marks on the victim's vehicle.

Hammam, the injured companion and eyewitness, recorded a statement with police, shared the sequence of events leading to the tragic shooting. A murder case has been registered against Fahad Khan, who remains at large as police intensify efforts to arrest him.

Humayun’s untimely demise has left his family in shock. The fatal shooting underscores the need for enhanced security measures and vigilant community policing to curb such violence in the metropolis. The police said their investigation is ongoing and the accused will be apprehended soon.

Published in The Express Tribune, April 22^nd, 2024.