DHA defence assault case takes new turn after inquiry report

A high-profile assault case reported in DHA Phase VI, Karachi, has taken a significant turn after an inquiry committee submitted

KARACHI: A high-profile assault case reported in DHA Phase VI, Karachi, has taken a significant turn after an inquiry committee submitted its findings to the Karachi Police Chief, recommending that the initial FIR registered against the alleged victims be cancelled and a fresh case be registered against those accused of carrying out the assault.

According to the inquiry report submitted by South DIG Syed Asad Raza, the allegations contained in the first FIR against siblings Noor-ul-Ain and Ali Ahsan were found to be unsubstantiated.

Fresh FIR Against Alleged Attackers

Sources familiar with the development told Minute Mirror that a new FIR is being registered on the complaint of the siblings. The suspects nominated in the fresh case reportedly include the mother-in-law, sister-in-law and brother-in-law of Korangi SSP Fida Hussain Janwari.

The inquiry committee reportedly relied on CCTV footage that went viral on social media, along with the victims’ medical examination. According to the findings, the medical report recorded eight separate marks of violence on the victims.

The CCTV footage allegedly shows two women and a man assaulting their neighbours inside an apartment located in Khayaban-e-Bukhari, DHA Phase VI. The alleged attackers were reportedly seen using an iron dumbbell during the incident.

Initial FIR Found Unsubstantiated

The inquiry also examined the circumstances surrounding the registration of the original FIR. The case had been lodged by a relative of SSP Korangi against Noor-ul-Ain and Ali Ahsan under several sections of the Pakistan Penal Code, including Sections 382, 354, 506, 504 and 337-A(i).

However, the inquiry committee concluded that the allegations made in the initial case were not substantiated by the evidence available during the investigation.

The committee has recommended that the first FIR be permanently dismissed under the B-Class category, which is used in cases where allegations are found to be false or malicious. The robbery allegation registered under Section 382 has also reportedly been dropped.

Police Officials Face Action

The inquiry report has also raised serious questions about the conduct of police officials from Korangi and Darakhshan during the initial handling of the case.

Sources said the Darakhshan SHO and investigating officer were criticized for what the inquiry described as a miscarriage of justice and for allegedly showing a tilt towards the party accused of aggression. The report reportedly recommended departmental as well as legal proceedings against the officials.

A mobile police officer was also accused of facilitating the wrongful detention of the siblings. In another serious allegation, a Korangi police constable reportedly admitted to damaging the apartment’s CCTV camera with an official weapon, allegedly on the instructions of a female relative of the SSP. Criminal misconduct proceedings have been recommended against the constable.

Three other police constables were reportedly cited for negligence after allegedly failing to intervene while the victims were being assaulted.

Proceedings Against SSP Korangi

The inquiry did not conclude that SSP Korangi Fida Hussain Janwari personally deployed police personnel to the scene. However, it reportedly held him responsible for administrative negligence and supervisory lapses.

Proceedings have subsequently been initiated against him under the Sindh Civil Servants (Efficiency and Discipline) Rules, 2020.

The Sindh High Court has also taken notice of the matter and directed law enforcement authorities to ensure full protection for Noor-ul-Ain and her family.

Case Sparks Public Outcry

The controversy emerged after footage of the alleged assault circulated widely on social media, triggering public criticism and raising questions about alleged misuse of influence and police impartiality.

The inquiry committee’s recommendations could now significantly alter the legal course of the case. Police authorities are expected to proceed with the fresh FIR and take further legal action based on the evidence collected during the investigation.