CCTV blow to claims as deadly firing mystery unravels

Victim allegedly opened fire before exchange with police, friend detained, weapon seized

KARACHI:

A man critically injured in a shooting incident near Isa Nagri died during treatment at hospital, police said on Sunday, adding that initial claims of his friend were contradicted by CCTV footage and police investigation.

Police said the shooting occurred near the Lyari Expressway interchange within the jurisdiction of Aziz Bhatti police station. The injured man, identified as Hammad, was first shifted to a private hospital in North Nazimabad by his friend Shehryar before being referred to Abbasi Shaheed Hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries.

Police initially received a statement from Shehryar claiming that their vehicle came under fire near Isa Nagri when Hammad was being picked up. He alleged that Hammad was already injured, half hanging out of the vehicle, and that the car's tyre had also been punctured during the incident.

However, SHO of Aziz Bhatti police station Ansar Butt said CCTV footage and subsequent investigation revealed a different version of events. He said Hammad had stopped near Isa Nagri and later opened indiscriminate fire after taking out a pistol from his friend's vehicle.

Police said the firing resulted in damage to a passing van, though no casualties were reported. Personnel at the nearby Shaheed Mehr Ali police post responded to the gunfire and fired warning shots.

Upon reaching the scene, Hammad allegedly opened fire on police, who returned fire in self-defence, critically injuring him. The SHO said Hammad's pistol magazine contained eight bullets, all of which were fired during the incident.

Police further said Shehryar's statement was found to be false after CCTV analysis, and he has been taken into custody. His licensed pistol has also been seized.