Three policemen arrested after Quetta man’s killing

QUETTA: Authorities in Quetta have registered a case and arrested three police personnel after a young man was killed during a police chase in the city two days ago, according to officials.

Officials said the incident occurred in the town area of Quetta when a black Toyota Mark-X did not stop despite signals from a police mobile. Police then opened fire, and one of the occupants was killed. The deceased was identified as Safeer Bajwa.

Following the incident, DIG Quetta Imran Shaukat constituted an inquiry committee headed by the SSP SCW to examine the circumstances surrounding the case. After receiving the inquiry report, the DIG ordered the registration of an FIR against the officers involved and directed that they be taken into custody.

Confirming the action, DIG Imran Shaukat said all three policemen had been arrested. He said misuse of authority would not be tolerated.

"The police are duty-bound to serve and protect the public. Any officer found guilty of high-handedness or exceeding their powers will be held accountable and made an example," the DIG said.

He also said police officers take an oath to uphold the law and protect citizens, adding that strict action would continue against any violations.

Inquiry ordered after shooting

The move came after the killing triggered strong public reaction in Quetta. Civil society organisations and political parties condemned the police action and demanded a full and transparent investigation into the incident.

Protests were held after the killing, with demonstrators calling for justice for the victim’s family and urging steps to prevent similar incidents in the future.

The case has again drawn attention to the issue of police accountability in the provincial capital. Officials said action was taken promptly after the inquiry findings were submitted, leading to the registration of the FIR and the arrest of the three personnel.

The development marks a significant step in the official response to the incident, with senior police leadership publicly stating that officers accused of overstepping their authority would face accountability under the law.

Officials have linked the latest action directly to the findings of the inquiry committee formed by the DIG soon after the incident. The committee, headed by the SSP SCW, was tasked with determining the circumstances in which the firing took place and whether the officers involved had acted within the law.

With the arrests now made, the case is likely to remain in focus amid continuing calls from civil society groups and political parties for transparency and justice in the investigation into Safeer Bajwa’s death.