Alleged custodial death of young man sparks protest

Family members demanded justice, condemned what they allege to be "staged encounter"

KARACHI:

The reported killing of a young man in police custody sparked protest in Quaidabad on Sunday. The death of Atif Khan under suspicious circumstances came to light through CCTV footage and a mobile video showing the young man being shifted on a motorcycle and subsequently shot in the leg near a graveyard.

Initially, police portrayed it as the killing of an unidentified mugger in an encounter near Bilal Town, claiming that weapon and ammunition were also recovered from him. However, subsequent evidence, including CCTV footage, contradicted this police account, leading to public outcry and allegations of police misconduct.

Family members and protesters gathered outside the Malir Court and the office of District Malir SSP, demanding justice and condemning what they allege to be a "staged encounter."

They criticised the misuse of police authority and called for the arrest of those responsible for Atif's death.

Following the public outcry, Malir SSP Aftab Abbasi appointed SP Saeed Rind as the inquiry officer to investigate the incident thoroughly. Three officers from Quaidabad police station-Iqbal Hussain, Babar Ali, and Jahangir-were suspended pending further investigation.

The police spokesperson stated that no arrests had been made yet, but reassured the public that an investigation was underway. Those found guilty would be brought to justice, he added.

The incident has sparked demands for an impartial investigation into the alleged extrajudicial killing as family members have vowed to persist in their protest until justice is served.