Karachi police suspend 16 personnel after SIU-district police clash in Nazimabad

Karachi Police Chief Azad Khan has suspended 16 police personnel, including seven officers, following a violent confrontation

KARACHI: Karachi Police Chief Azad Khan has suspended 16 police personnel, including seven officers, following a violent confrontation between the Special Investigation Unit (SIU) and District Central Police during an operation to arrest suspects in Nazimabad. The incident has raised serious concerns about coordination, operational discipline and command failures within Karachi Police.

Inquiry Report Leads to Disciplinary Action

The suspensions were ordered on Monday following an inquiry conducted by DIG South Asad Raza into the clash between the two police units.

According to official sources, 11 personnel belonging to the SIU of the Crime Investigation Agency (CIA) and five officials from District Central Police have been suspended. All suspended personnel have been directed to report to the Suspended Company at Garden Police Headquarters in the South Zone.

The inquiry reportedly found greater negligence on the part of the SIU personnel during the incident. Show-cause notices have been issued to the deputy superintendents of police (DSPs) of both units, while the senior superintendents of police (SSPs) heading SIU and Central District have received Letters of Advice.

Authorities have also initiated a departmental inquiry to determine individual responsibility and examine the circumstances that led to the confrontation.

Dispute During Arrest Operation

The clash took place on the night of October 14 within the jurisdiction of Taimuria Police Station in Nazimabad, where District Central Police was conducting a raid to apprehend suspects allegedly involved in short-term kidnapping for ransom.

During the operation, an SIU team led by Sub-Inspector Noorullah also arrived at the location and sought custody of the same suspects. The presence of both units at the scene reportedly triggered a dispute over which team would take the accused into custody.

The disagreement escalated into a physical confrontation between the police personnel. During the altercation, DSP Shadman Town Minhaj-ul-Hasan and Assistant Sub-Inspector Raheel Qureshi were allegedly assaulted by SIU personnel and subsequently had to be rescued.

The situation reportedly deteriorated further outside Nazimabad Police Station, where SIU personnel allegedly detained a District Central Police mobile. Kashif Hashmi, a former president of the Crime Reporters Association and a member of the Karachi Press Club, was also reportedly assaulted while covering the incident.

Kidnapping Case and Further Legal Action

Police officials said District Central Police has arrested five suspects allegedly associated with the short-term kidnapping gang. However, a police constable suspected of being involved with the gang remains at large.

The inquiry report has recommended registering a criminal case against the SIU personnel allegedly involved in the assault. Further proceedings are expected to determine whether criminal charges and additional departmental action are warranted.

Questions Over Police Coordination

The incident has highlighted concerns about coordination between SIU/CIA teams and district police units investigating similar criminal networks. When separate teams pursue the same suspects without effective communication and clearly defined operational responsibilities, disputes over investigations and custody can arise.

The suspensions mark an initial disciplinary response to the confrontation. The ongoing inquiry is expected to establish the extent of responsibility among the personnel and supervisory officers involved, while the recommendation for criminal proceedings could lead to further legal action.

The episode has renewed questions about the need for clearer coordination mechanisms, stronger command oversight and improved communication between Karachi Police units to prevent similar confrontations during future operations.