Child abuse suspect reveals accounts; over 100 victims feared

A Judicial Magistrate in the South District on Friday remanded Shabbir Ahmed Tanoli, a suspect in a child abuse case, to police custody for five days. The court directed investigators to submit a progress report by September 17, as disturbing details continue to emerge about the scale of the crimes.

Ahmed, 28, originally from Abbottabad, had been living in Karachi since 2016. He ran a sherbet stall in Qayyumabad B area, which he allegedly used as a front to lure children aged 5 to 13 with money. According to police, he would take the children to his residence, sexually assault them, and record the acts on his mobile phone and USB drive.

The suspect was apprehended by residents on Thursday after his activities came to light. Locals beat him before handing him over to Defence police. SHO Ghulam Nabi Afridi confirmed that four FIRs have been registered under Section 376, based on complaints from families of five victims, including two sisters aged 10 and 12. The other victims include a 10-year-old girl and a 7-year-old girl from nearby streets.

During interrogation, Shabbir confessed to abusing over 100 children and maintaining a diary with names and profiles of 70 to 75 victims. Police recovered more than 100 indecent videos, some dating back to 2017, with most recorded between 2019 and 2024. The USB drive, handed over by a girl to a shopkeeper, revealed further evidence.

SSP South Mehzooz Ali stated that forensic analysis of the recovered data is underway. He added that Shabbir claimed a deceased friend introduced him to such behavior. The suspect is unmarried and lived alone, often misleading neighbors by claiming the children he brought home were relatives. Police are working to identify additional victims using the recovered footage. Medical examinations of the known victims are being arranged. Authorities have emphasized the sensitive nature of the case and assured that a thorough investigation is in progress.