Businessman held over thrashing of motorcyclist in DHA

A case has been registered against a businessman and his associates at the Gizri police station after a video clip showing a motorcyclist being violently assaulted near Ittehad Commercial in DHA Phase VI went viral. Prime suspect Salman Farooqi, his driver and his guard have been arrested.

Eyewitness Saleem, who filed FIR No. 278/25, said he was at Ittehad Commercial for a recovery visit on May 31, when he witnessed a minor accident between a motorbike and a Land Cruiser.

Following the incident, Farooqi, reportedly the Land Cruiser’s owner, allegedly ordered his armed guard and driver to forcefully detain the motorcyclist inside his vehicle, where he was assaulted, abused and threatened at gunpoint.

A woman, said to be the motorcyclist’s sister who was accompanying the victim, was also pushed and humiliated, despite pleading with the suspects. Several bystanders witnessed the assault and recorded it on their phones, then shared the video clips on social media, prompting public outrage.

The FIR has been lodged under sections 506-B, 354, 342, 34 and 504 of the Pakistan Penal Code for criminal intimidation, assault on modesty, wrongful confinement, common intention and intentional insult. South Zone police chief DIG Syed Asad Raza confirmed Farooqi’s arrest and his being locked up in the Gizri police station lock-up. His vehicle has also been impounded.

Earlier, the guard and the driver were arrested, and raids were conducted at the businessman’s home and office during the night. DIG Raza said the suspect is not a government official, and denied claims that the police initially ignored the incident.

“No one is above the law. The matter is being taken very seriously. The victim will receive full justice,” he stressed. He said police are continuing their investigation, and vow to bring all those involved to justice.

Karachi police chief Addl IG Javed Alam Odho had also taken notice of the incident, and had directed the District South SSP to arrest the key suspect and ensure his punishment in accordance with the law.

Police said the victim and his sister are believed to be residents of the Ranchore Line area, adding that either of the siblings is yet to approach the police in the matter.