Tables turn in Defence snap-checking case

Karachi: The case stemming from a confrontation between a police sub-inspector and a young man during snap checking in the Defence area has entered a fresh phase, with the accused securing bail and police authorities launching a departmental inquiry against the officer involved.

The young man, identified as Khabeeb, was released after a judicial magistrate in District South granted him bail against surety bonds of Rs50,000. He had earlier been taken into custody in a case that included allegations of obstructing official work and misbehaving with a uniformed police officer, Sub-Inspector Shehzan Shakeel.

Khabeeb appeared before the court with his legal team comprising advocates Asama Ali Gujar, Faisal Sheikh and Waheed Sheikh.

During the hearing, defence counsel Asama Ali Gujar argued that the case rested on what she described as a false and fabricated account. She told the court the episode arose from a misunderstanding and maintained that the accused neither resisted the police nor behaved improperly.

According to the defence, Khabeeb later went to the police station with his parents, where, counsel said, a police officer acknowledged an error and the issue was settled through mutual understanding. The lawyer also questioned the timing of the first information report, saying it was registered nine hours after the incident and raising doubts about its credibility. She further told the court that all offences listed in the case were bailable and that the accused was prepared to cooperate fully with the investigation.

Police, however, have maintained that the accused got into an altercation with personnel during snap checking, allegedly behaved inappropriately with officials and interfered in official duty. A case was subsequently registered against him at the Defence police station.

Departmental proceedings initiated

Separately, senior police authorities have ordered a departmental inquiry into the conduct of SI Shehzan Shakeel. SP Clifton Khalid Javed has been appointed as the inquiry officer.

He has been directed to review the viral video linked to the incident, examine the available record, fix responsibility and submit his findings within three days.

Initial reports indicate that suspension orders for SI Shehzan Shakeel had earlier been issued but were later withdrawn, pointing to differing views within the police chain of command and possible internal pressure.

Officials said both parties have released video statements in which each side has blamed the other for the altercation.

The matter drew attention after footage of the exchange circulated widely on social media, prompting scrutiny of both the conduct of the police during snap checking and the circumstances in which the case was registered.

The latest developments mean that the criminal case against the young man and the internal departmental review of the police officer are now proceeding simultaneously.