Online taxi driver returns home after staging ‘suicide drama’

The alleged suicide committed by an online taxi driver at Sea View turned out to be a staged drama to frighten one of his two wives.

Tahir Mehmood, hailing from Rahim Yar Khan, contracted two marriages -- one in his hometown and the second in Karachi. According to his friend, Israr Ahmed, Mehmood was found in a state of unconsciousness. Israr added that Mehmood’s in-laws were informed of his condition and speculated that he might have used some intoxicating substance.

Mehmood, a resident of Shah Faisal Colony, made a video call to one of his wives on the night between Monday and Tuesday, informing her that he was going to commit suicide by jumping into the sea at Sea View. Since then, he had gone missing. Following the video call, his wife informed his parents, and they all rushed to Sea View, also informing the police and rescue services. However, rescuers were unable to find his body.

He reappeared in public on Wednesday in an unconscious state. Following that, the police took him into custody. After returning home, he revealed the incident while talking to the media at his residence, stating that he staged the drama due to domestic disputes. He mentioned that he kneeled in water and made a video call to his wife, telling her about his suicidal intentions. He then left his car, wallet, and car keys in the car and hung up the phone after his wife expressed distress.

Explaining the matter, he said there had been heated arguments over cooking at home, and in anger, he had left the house, intending only to scare his family. During this time, four individuals approached him, called out his name, and when he turned around, he was hit, losing consciousness. When he regained consciousness, he found himself in Nazimabad with wounds on his legs. He walked back home to Shah Faisal Colony early Wednesday morning.

His family, however, expressed relief upon finding him alive and thanked the police and rescuers for their timely response and assistance in the search for Tahir. “We are happy that Tahir has returned home safe and sound,” said the father.

On the other hand, the police stated that they received information about Mehmood’s presence in the area, mentioning that he was present at a hospital for treatment. The police added that Mehmood and his family were summoned to the police station, and their statements were recorded. The police noted inconsistencies in Mehmood’s statement. Since the incident was reported at the Darakhshan Police Station, Mahmood would be handed over to them for further questioning, and further legal action would be taken.