HYDERABAD: Police have registered a terrorism case against around 250 people and arrested 16 suspects, including a woman, following a violent clash during a court-ordered operation to recover a woman from Goth Fazal Baghal near Hyderabad’s New Sabzi Mandi.
According to police, the operation was carried out on the directives of the 4th Additional District and Sessions Judge (MCTC-2), Hyderabad, in response to a petition filed by Riaz Ali Mallah under the Section 491 of the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC).
In his petition, Mallah had alleged that his wife Tania had been unlawfully confined by her relatives in the village. Police were directed to recover the woman and produce her before the court. Upon reaching the village, the police party informed the family members about the court order and sought custody of Tania.
Police said Tania approached the police vehicle after the team arrived. However, the situation allegedly turned violent when a large number of villagers resisted the operation and attacked the police party.
The FIR states that several police personnel, including Sajjad Ali, Shahnawaz, Ali Murad and Ghulam Rasool, were injured during the clash, while police vehicles were also damaged. Police further alleged that four officials, Sub-Inspector Munir Ahmed Mangrio, Assistant Sub-Inspector Abdul Hakeem Palari, and constables Jam and Younis Ali, were held hostage for some time inside a house in the village before they were freed.
As the confrontation escalated, additional police contingents and Rangers personnel were deployed to bring the situation under control. Hyderabad SSP Shahzeb Chachar also reached the area to supervise the operation.
Police eventually recovered Tania and took her into protective custody in compliance with the court’s orders. Subsequently, the Hatri police registered an FIR against approximately 250 individuals, including named and unidentified suspects, under various provisions of the Pakistan Penal Code and Anti-Terrorism Act.
Several women have also been nominated in the case. The case was lodged on the complaint of Hatri SHO Inspector Ghulam Farooq Rahpoto. Police said 16 suspects had been arrested and efforts were under way to apprehend others who fled the scene.
