Inquiry Ordered After Teenage Girl Allegedly Killed in Karachi Crossfire
KARACHI: A swift inquiry has been launched into the tragic death of a teenage girl in Karachi’s Landhi area. The 17-year-old was reportedly struck by a stray bullet while traveling in a rickshaw, with her family alleging she was caught in the crossfire between police and suspected robbers.
Landhi Station House Officer (SHO) Salahuddin Qazi stated that the victim was returning home with her mother after visiting a relative when the incident occurred. A bullet struck her in the chest, causing critical injuries. She was rushed to Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Centre (JPMC) but was pronounced dead upon arrival.
Allegations of Crossfire Emerge
The victim’s uncle informed media at the hospital that his niece was killed during an exchange of gunfire involving law enforcement and criminals. Police surgeon Dr. Summaiya Syed confirmed the girl was deceased when she reached the hospital, noting that her family declined any medico-legal procedures and took the body, as reported by SindhNews.com.
Official Inquiry Launched into the Incident
Taking immediate notice of the event, Korangi Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Fida Husain Janwari established an inquiry committee. This committee, headed by Landhi Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Faiza Sodhar, includes the Landhi and Awami Colony SHOs.
The committee is tasked with conducting a comprehensive and impartial investigation and submitting its findings promptly. A police spokesperson indicated that personnel from Awami Colony police station were pursuing suspects involved in a robbery outside a Korangi bank.
The suspects allegedly fired indiscriminately at the police, leading to a gunfight. Police wounded one suspect and recovered a pistol and mobile phone, while an accomplice escaped. SindhNews.com learned that police later received information about the injured teenager.
Initial investigations by Landhi SHO Salahuddin Qazi, part of the inquiry team, suggest a timing discrepancy. The girl sustained her injury around 11:30 am, while the Awami Colony SHO reported the encounter occurred closer to 1:00 pm.
Furthermore, police stated that the deceased’s uncle provided a written statement to doctors and police indicating it was an accident and that no legal proceedings were desired.
Past Incidents Highlight Broader Concerns
This unfortunate incident echoes past tragedies where civilians have been caught in the crossfire. Last October, two passersby lost their lives in Ittehad Town during a clash between armed individuals from different tribes. South Deputy Inspector General (DIG) Syed Asad Raza elaborated that the victims succumbed to injuries sustained during the exchange of gunfire.
The inquiry is expected to shed light on the sequence of events and determine accountability. The outcome will be crucial in addressing public safety concerns in the city, particularly regarding civilian safety during police operations.