A gunfight between a gang of alleged robbers and a security guard outside a bank near Teen Talwar in Clifton resulted in the death of a 28-year-old doctor on Monday, with the suspects later escaping with Rs2.5 million in cash.
South Zone police chief Syed Asad Raza told The News Dr Akash, son of Seth Siro Mal, had withdrawn Rs5 million from a private bank, along with his father and cousin.
The family was on their way to deposit the cash in another bank when armed suspects intercepted their vehicle outside the bank within the jurisdiction of the Frere police station. The suspects attempted to snatch the cash as the car stopped outside the bank. A security guard stationed at the bank reportedly mistook the occupants of the vehicle for robbers and opened fire. The suspects returned fire, triggering a gunfight during which Dr Akash suffered wounds.
Responding to a question, DIG Raza said that according to the investigation conducted so far, Dr Akash was struck by a bullet fired by the security guard during the exchange of fire. The officer said the guard has been detained for questioning.
There were two packets of Rs2.5 million each in cash in the vehicle. The suspects fled with one of them. Police teams later arrived on the scene to start their investigation. A video clip of the incident has also surfaced, showing the gunfight outside the bank. CCTV camera footage of the incident shows that as soon as the car stopped outside the bank, an armed suspect ran toward it, first opening fire at the bank’s security guard before opening the car door and grabbing a bag containing cash.
In the haste to escape, the suspect managed to take only one bag. According to police, the security guard returned fire at the fleeing robber, and one of the bullets struck Dr Akash.
The doctor was taken to a nearby private hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries. His body was later taken to the Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Centre (JPMC).
According to his uncle, Khem Chand, the young doctor had been serving at the JPMC for the past two years. “My nephew was shot dead outside the bank during the robbery. He was only 28 years old,” he said, adding that the family would hold a sit-in with the body until those responsible for the killing are arrested.
Taking notice of the incident, Sindh police chief Javed Alam Odho has sought a detailed report from DIG Raza. IGP Odho directed him to conduct a transparent, impartial and comprehensive investigation, determine the circumstances surrounding the killing, establish whose bullet caused Dr Akash’s death, and ensure the immediate arrest of all those involved.
JI, PTI’s reactions
Karachi Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) emir Monem Zafar and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leaders on Monday strongly condemned the killing of Dr Akash, who was shot dead after reportedly resisting a robbery near Teen Talwar in Clifton, blaming the Sindh government for failing to curb street crime.
In a statement, Zafar described the incident as a grave indictment of the Sindh government and law enforcement agencies. He said the killing in broad daylight in one of Karachi’s busiest and most sensitive areas highlighted the deteriorating law and order situation and demonstrated that citizens were helpless when it came to the protection of their lives and property.
Referring to media reports, he said at least 40 people had been killed while resisting robberies in Karachi during the first six months of the year. He said the figures painted a worrying picture of rising street crime, contrary to official claims that such incidents had declined.
Meanwhile, PTI Secretary Arsalan Khalid also strongly condemned the killing of Dr Akash, saying the incident had exposed the incompetence of the Sindh government. “The shooting in broad daylight in a posh area like Clifton and the looting of millions of rupees have exposed the government’s claims regarding security,” he said.
