Three injured in fight over 'land dispute'

KARACHI:

Three people were injured in firing and stone pelting over a plot dispute in Khuda Ki Basti, Surjani Town. According to details, 18-year-old Shahid Hussain son of Habdar Ali and 42-year-old Amjad Ali son of Ali Sher were injured in firing near Khuda Ki Basti belt Sector 52, Surjani Town, while 45-year-old Ghulam Sarwar son of Abdul Hameed was injured in a stone pelting. They were rushed to Abbasi Shaheed Hospital. Police said that the incident occurred over a dispute between two groups, Ijaz Soomro and Sarwar Brohi. Both groups are alleged land grabbers.

Ghulam Sarwar Brohi gave contradictory statements. Initially, he claimed that the injured individuals belong to a dacoit gang, and they attacked him because he allegedly tipped off the police about a high-profile criminal's arrest.

He stated that they hit him on the head with a stick, causing him to lose consciousness. However, when asked about the firing, he changed his statement, claiming that the injured individuals were part of a land mafia.

Meanwhile, Amjad, who was shot, told the media that he owns a grocery store and that Sarwar Brohi is a known land grabber. He claimed that Brohi had previously threatened him several times, insisting him to vacate the plot, as Brohi had its documents.

Amjad stated that he refused, asserting that he had legally purchased the land. On the day of the incident, Brohi went with armed associates and demanded that he vacate the plot. When he refused, Brohi opened fire, injuring both Amjad and his nephew. In retaliation, Amjad's nephew threw a brick at Brohi, injuring him.

Local residents blame the police for facilitating such crimes, alleging that the police take bribes from land grabbers, drug dealers, and other criminals on a daily basis, allowing them to operate freely.

The police at the hospital refused to give their position.