Muhammadi Goth shootout case registered under ATA

Police have registered the FIR of Tuesday’s Muhammadi Goth shootout, which had led to the martyrdom of a constable, under the Anti-Terrorism Act (ATA). They have also obtained the CCTV camera footage of the law enforcers’ encounter with the robbers responsible for the policeman’s death.

Police Constable Chaman Abbas’s funeral was held with full police honours at the Police Headquarters, Garden, on Wednesday. It was attended by the Sindh and Karachi police chiefs among other officers. The PC’s body was then taken to his home town Chiniot for burial.

The CCTV camera footage of the incident shows Abbas firing at some suspects, then chasing them while continuing to fire at them. During the exchange of fire, he suffers a gunshot wound and falls to the ground, prompting the civilians present at the scene to rush to help him.

The video clip shows panic spreading in the area during the shooting, while the robbers make their escape under the cover of gunfire. The encounter caused Abbas’ death, as well as injuries to PC Adil Pitafi.

The District East police spokesperson said SITE Super Highway Industrial Area police officials on patrol were informed about robbers at the Muhammadi Goth riverbank. He said that when the PCs arrived at the scene, the suspects opened fire on them.

He also said the PCs retaliated and wounded the suspect, who then fled towards the river, leaving their motorbike behind. During the gunfight, Pitafi was shot in the leg and Abbas in the chest.

The injured constables were immediately taken to a private hospital, where Abbas succumbed to his injuries, while Pitafi is still receiving medical care, he added.

Sindh Home Minister Ziaul Hassan Lanjar has sought a report on the incident from the District East police chief. He said the suspects should be arrested immediately, adding that the injured PC should be provided with the best possible

medical care.

“This incident is a shining example of the sacrifices and bravery of the police force. Chaman Abbas and Adil Pitafi fought courageously, putting their lives on the line to protect citizens. Their sacrifices will always be remembered.”

The District East police later issued another statement, saying that it is true that the inspection of the scene and the collection of evidence are among the key responsibilities of the police, and that no negligence can be tolerated in this regard.

They said that some media sources might have described the police response as routine without fully understanding the circumstances at the scene. However, they added, the timely action and inspection by the police are proof that they are leaving no stone unturned in the fulfilment of their duties.

They also said that the use of a bulletproof vest is extremely essential for the protection of police officials, adding that strict measures would be taken to ensure that every officer uses it.

The police said in the statement that in Abbas’ case, despite his not wearing the vest, his sacrifice is no less significant, but it serves as a reminder that safety measures should always be adhered to.

They said that the police investigation is ongoing, and some information is not being shared to protect the integrity of the investigation. To maintain transparency, a committee has been formed to examine the administrative aspects of the incident, they added.

They requested journalists to use police information responsibly and assist the police in bringing the culprits to justice. “The District East police of Karachi is committed to going to any extent to protect the public, even if it means sacrificing their lives.”

DSP Sohail Faiz said the FIR of the incident has been registered, and the CCTV camera footage of the area has been obtained. Statements from police officials and other witnesses are being collected to identify and apprehend the suspects as quickly as possible, he added.

He noted that the suspects are known habitual criminals who had opened fire on the police officials upon seeing them. He said the police have activated their intelligence network, and are working to capture the suspects soon. The police are also interrogating previously arrested criminals to determine if they are connected to this incident, he added.

FIR No. 1011/24 was registered on Pitafi’s complaint against unidentified suspects at the SITE Super Highway Industrial Area police station under sections 353, 324 and 302/34 of the Pakistan Penal Code, read with Section 7 of the ATA.

The FIR reads that Pitafi, Abbas and two other officials were on routine patrol on two motorbikes when two men approached them shouting “dacoit, dacoit” and pointing towards the suspects. “The police party decided to pursue the suspects, but the dacoits immediately opened fire on them.”

As a result, reads the FIR, one constable was killed and the complainant was injured. “The other two officers in the team began firing back at the robbers, causing the robbers to abandon their motorbike and flee on foot.”