Law enforcement agencies, including the Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD), have widened the scope of investigation into a firing incident targeting police personnel in Manghopir, but officials say no evidence of terrorism has been found so far.
District West SSP Tariq Ilahi Mastoi told The News that although the investigation had been expanded, no clue had emerged to suggest any link with terrorism.
He said the area had previously witnessed incidents involving militant outfits and attacks on law enforcers, which was why terrorism was initially considered as a possible angle. “However, no such evidence has surfaced, nor has any outfit claimed responsibility,” he added.
The SSP said he had also recorded a detailed statement of the constable injured in the incident who said that the incident did not appear to be a targeted attack. According to the injured constable, police signalled a 125cc motorcycle to stop, but the riders sped away. When police pursued them, the suspects opened fire, leaving officers with little time to react. A case had been registered and investigations were under way, DSP Mastoi said.
Meanwhile, investigators said the attackers used two different types of weapons, including 9mm and 30-bore pistols. At the time of the incident, three policemen were riding motorcycles on routine patrol near the Manghopir canal when the assailants, also on a motorcycle, opened fire on them upon seeing them approaching from the opposite direction.
Sources said the suspects were dressed in shirts and pants, and the pillion rider was carrying a bag, giving the appearance of an ordinary citizen or student. Spent bullet casings collected from the scene have been sent for forensic analysis.
Authorities have also initiated geo-fencing and are collecting CCTV footage to trace the suspects and determine their escape routes. Following the incident, the Sindh home minister and Sindh inspector general of police (IGP) took notice and sought a report, directing authorities to ensure early arrest of the culprits.
IGP Javed Alam Odho on Friday visited the injured police constable, Muhammad Tufail, and inquired after his health. According to a statement issued by the Sindh police spokesperson, Tufail was currently under treatment at a private hospital in Karachi. He was injured in an armed attack by robbers, while his fellow constable Khadim Ali Shah was martyred.
The IGP, accompanied by the East SSP and Gulshan SP, met the injured constable, appreciated his bravery and assured him of full departmental support. He directed the officials concerned to ensure that no negligence was shown in the treatment and care of the injured cop. “The Sindh police are like a family, and taking care of every member is our responsibility,” the police chief said.
He added that the culprits involved in the attack would be arrested soon and brought to justice. Earlier, Karachi Additional IG Azad Khan also visited the injured constable at the Aga Khan Hospital and directed that he be provided the best medical care. Police officials also paid tribute to the martyred officer, reaffirming their commitment to intensify operations against criminal elements and ensure law and order in the city.
Laid to rest
Constable Khadim Ali Shah, who was martyred in Karachi while fighting criminals on Thursday, was laid to rest on Friday in his native village, Zarkhail. City ASP Muhammad Asif, DSP Sultan Kot Muhammad Nawaz, senior officers, civil society members, the martyr’s heirs and a large number of citizens attended the funeral.
Talking to newsmen, SSP Muhammad Kaleem said Khadim’s family was the police’s family and would be looked after in every possible way. He said sacrifices did not weaken the police force; rather, they strengthen resolve and instil courage among personnel.
