Two policemen held over alleged staged encounter in Korangi

KARACHI: Two policemen from Awami Colony police station have been arrested and booked on attempted murder charges after they were accused of shooting and injuring two young men in what investigators said was a staged police encounter in Korangi.

The incident took place on Saturday night near Double Road Football Ground, within the limits of Awami Colony police station. The two injured men were identified as Muhammad Athar and Abdul Razzaq, who were riding a motorcycle when police personnel opened fire on them, leaving both seriously wounded. The incident was initially presented as a police encounter.

Suspicion grew after injured Abdul Razzaq recorded his statement and preliminary findings raised questions about the police version. SSP Korangi then ordered an inquiry, which was conducted by SP Landhi. The inquiry reportedly found evidence suggesting that the encounter had been staged.

Following the inquiry, a case of attempted murder was registered at Awami Colony police station against police officials Haris Sheikh and Zeeshan Asad, and both were arrested. The case was lodged on the complaint of Syed Alam, the uncle of injured Muhammad Athar. Separately, the IG Sindh took notice of the matter and ordered action against SHO Awami Colony Sub-Inspector Adnan Bukhari, suspending him and reducing his rank by one level.