Three cops detained after video showing police beating elderly street vendor goes viral

After a disturbing video showing Karachi police officials violently assaulting an elderly street vendor in the Saddar area recently went viral, it prompted swift action from senior police officers.

Following public outrage over the viral video, the South DIG took notice of the incident. Three police personnel, including the officer involved in violence, were taken into custody and departmental proceedings initiated against them.

The DIG later met the elderly victim at his office, where he assured him of full justice. "Police are meant to protect the public and must treat citizens with dignity," the DIG stated, adding that such inhumane behaviour would not be tolerated under any circumstances.

He directed the South SSP to take strict legal action against the personnel involved in the incident under the sections related to misconduct and extortion. The DIG also encouraged the citizens to report any incidents of police misconduct without hesitation.

Eyewitnesses at the scene described the assault as shameful, noting that the officers not only beat the elderly man with batons and slippers but also hurled abuse at him. In a video statement, the elderly vendor revealed that police officers regularly extorted money — reportedly Rs 50 daily — from street vendors in Saddar and other parts of the city. He claimed the beating occurred after he refused to pay the usual bribe.