Police register terrorism cases after deadly protest at US Consulate in Karachi

Cases also carry charges of murder, attempted murder, rioting and provisions under anti-terrorism laws

KARACHI:

Sindh Police on Tuesday registered three cases against unidentified individuals in connection with unrest, arson and firing incidents during a protest outside the US Consulate in Karachi on Sunday, demonstrating over the death of Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, which left at least 11 people dead.

All three cases were registered at Dock Police Station on the complaint of SHO Inspector Nand Lal. The cases carry charges of murder, attempted murder, terrorism, rioting and provisions under anti-terrorism laws.

In the first case (65/25), the time of the incident was stated as 10:30am, and both the deceased and the killers were identified as protesters.

According to the police stance, armed individuals among the protesters opened fire, resulting in 30 to 35 people being killed or injured at Gate No 4 of the American Consulate. The attackers fled when the police arrived.

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In the second case (66/25), the police stated that 5,000 to 6,000 protesters attacked the Sultanabad police post and set the post, along with vehicles, motorcycles and other property inside it, on fire.

In the third FIR (67/25), a similar stance to the first FIR was adopted. According to the statement of a police officer, on Sunday evening, girls named Rah Zahra and Abida Batool, along with several others, were injured due to firing by unidentified individuals participating in the protest near MT Khan Road close to Jinnah Bridge.

Violence erupted when clashes broke out between police and protesters as crowds marched towards the US Consulate following the killing of Ayatollah Khamenei in a joint US-Israeli air strike. Ten people were killed and 31 injured during the unrest. On Monday, another injured person died during treatment, bringing the total death toll to 11.

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Following the incident, Inspector General Sindh Javed Alam Odho removed five officials from their positions, including the Senior Superintendent of Police Keamari, over complaints of negligence in duty, mismanagement, and resulting financial and human losses.

The station house officers of Docks, SITE B, KPT and Jackson police stations, as well as the in-charge of the Foreign Security Cell, were also suspended.

The Sindh government extended Section 144 across the province for another month, maintaining restrictions on public gatherings and the public display of arms.

The restrictions, which came into effect from March 1, aim to prevent any untoward incidents and maintain law and order. Authorities warned that any violation of the order would result in strict legal action.