Prime suspect gets bail in KU professor assault case

KARACHI: An additional district and sessions court in Malir on Thursday granted interim bail to the main suspect in the assault and alleged wrongful confinement of a University of Karachi professor and his nephew.

The court approved interim bail for Syed Muhammad Konain Shah, son of Syed Ali Gohar, against surety bonds of Rs20,000. He was also directed to join the police investigation.

The court summoned the investigating officer and adjourned further proceedings on the bail application until September 21.

The case relates to an alleged assault on Dr Muhammad Arif Khan Saqi, chairman of the University of Karachi’s Department of Islamic Learning, following a traffic collision near Safoora Chowrangi.

According to Saqi, he was travelling in an online taxi driven by his nephew, Waheedur Rehman, when the vehicle collided with a double-cabin vehicle. He alleged that the double-cabin was leaving a parking area when guards signalled the taxi to stop before the vehicle reversed and struck it.

Saqi said he asked those travelling in the other vehicle to compensate the taxi driver for the damage caused in the collision.

He alleged that the hotel owner’s son then emerged from the vehicle, fired two shots and assaulted him with pistol butts before firing into the air.

The professor further alleged that he and his nephew were taken to a nearby hotel, where they were subjected to physical torture.

Videos of the alleged assault later circulated widely on social media, prompting public concern over the incident.

Police registered a case at Sachal police station on Saqi’s complaint against Konain and other suspects. The charges include attempted murder, assault, causing injuries and wrongful confinement.

Police have also detained three employees of a local hotel in connection with the incident and are continuing efforts to apprehend other suspects.

Following the incident, Sindh Home Minister Zia-ul-Hassan Lanjar sought a detailed report from the SSP East regarding the alleged assault and confinement of the university professor.

Lanjar said the dignity, respect and security of teachers must be protected and warned that those responsible would face legal action.