Police 'shielding' culprits in Sharea Faisal firefight

KARACHI:

Police appear to be reluctant to take legal action against the "influential figures" involved in a brazen gunfight allegedly over a love triangle on Sharea Faisal early on Wednesday morning.

Surprisingly, the Airport police station officials have registered a case under minor charges against three security guards also involved in the firefight, but have not named the influential figures involved in what appears to be an attempt to protect them from legal consequences.

According to the police report, a police patrol, led by SI Hafeezullah, witnessed occupants of two cars engaged in a reckless fire exchange near Natha Khan Bridge at around 6:20am. The vehicles were seen driving erratically and honking aggressively as they raced toward Malir Road, with the occupants firing gunshots into the air.

The situation escalated when four men, reportedly from the two vehicles, got down and began fighting near the airport. Police detained three of the suspects at the scene, while the fourth managed to flee. Police recovered weapons, ammunition, and other items from the suspects.

While police are reluctant to name the influential figures involved, sources have identified them as Darin Khan, Muhammad Hassan, and Mustafa Badani - all belonging to prominent political and tribal families of Sindh.

As per details, the altercation started at a popular club in DHA, where both parties were allegedly involved in an earlier dispute. From there, they drove to Sharea Faisal, where the armed confrontation took place. The armed men then proceeded to the airport's "weapon-free" zone, where they were eventually taken into custody.

Even though they were handed over to police by a security agency, the names of the influential figures were not included in the police report. Instead, the three security guards - identified as Muhammad Ali, Ali Jan, and Muhammad Nawaz - were officially arrested and charged.

According to police sources, there is a clear contradiction between the official narrative and the accounts provided by the security agency. The agency reportedly handed over the influential figures, along with the three security guards, to the Airport police. However, no legal action has been taken against them.

One of the suspects, Darin Khan, who is believed to be a key figure in the dispute, has reportedly stated that his vehicle came under fire while traveling on Sharea Faisal, prompting him to return fire in self-defence. Despite the serious nature of the incident, sources suggest that the Airport police are making efforts to suppress details of the matter. Police high-ups also remain tight-lipped on the incident.