Robbers have claimed yet another citizen’s life for resisting their mugging attempt, adding to the sense of insecurity in the city during the holy month of Ramazan.
This year, the tally of fatalities resulting from robbers’ gunfire over resistance to robbery attempts has climbed to 48.
The latest victim of rising street crime was Syed Ali Rehber, a young delivery man of an online company and father of two children. Rehber lost his life while fighting off muggers near Millennium Mall in Gulistan-e-Jauhar, within the jurisdiction of the Sharea Faisal police station.
Two robbers were involved in the incident. While one was caught and killed by a crowd of people, the other managed to escape from the scene.
Police said the culprits, riding on motorcycles, were engaged in a robbery on the flyover when the incident occurred, resulting in the injury of another citizen named Irfan. As the culprits attempted to flee after opening fire, one was caught by the public and subsequently killed, while the other managed to escape. The police found empty shells from the crime scene, along with a pistol from the deceased dacoit.
Rehber, who was the sole provider for his elderly father, was later laid to rest. His grieving father, Akhtar Sarosh, lamented the deteriorating law and order situation in the country, questioning the absence of effective measures by law enforcement agencies. He highlighted the sacrifices made by their forefathers for the creation of Pakistan, expressing dismay over the current state of affairs where living in Pakistan feels like a punishment.
Sindh Home Minister Zia-ul-Hassan Lanjar took notice of the gruesome incident, ordering the immediate suspension of the SHO of Sharea Faisal and demanding a comprehensive report from the District East SSP.
The funeral prayers for Rehber were offered at an Imambargah in the Azizabad area, followed by his burial in the Wadi-e-Hussain cemetery. A large gathering of relatives and acquaintances, including the deceased’s family members, participated in the funeral prayers, mourning the untimely loss of a beloved father and community member.
Karachi’s residents continue to grapple with the persistent threat of dacoit attacks even in the sacred month of Ramazan. Within the initial 18 days of Ramazan alone, over 4,450 incidents of street crime have been reported, with nine individuals losing their lives over robbery resistance, underscoring the pervasive reign of dacoits in the city.