Surjani Town harassment case: Police arrest 37-year-old suspect after viral CCTV footage

Karachi police have arrested a 37-year-old man allegedly involved in harassing women and girls in Surjani Town after CCTV footage

KARACHI: Karachi police have arrested a 37-year-old man allegedly involved in harassing women and girls in Surjani Town after CCTV footage of an alleged assault on a madrassa-going girl surfaced on social media and triggered public outrage.

Police identified the suspect as Najaf Ali, son of Zafar Ali, a resident of Surjani Town. According to police and local sources, the incident occurred on September 15, 2026, at around 8:10am in the Surjani Town area.

The CCTV footage, reportedly recorded outside a residential property, shows a young girl wearing a burqa walking through a narrow street after returning from madrassa. A motorcyclist approaches her from behind and allegedly makes inappropriate physical contact before fleeing the scene on the motorcycle.

The footage subsequently circulated widely on social media, prompting calls from citizens for the suspect to be identified and arrested. The incident generated significant concern among residents, with social media users demanding action against the alleged offender.

Following the circulation of the footage, Karachi police launched efforts to identify and locate the suspect. Police later apprehended Najaf Ali during an operation.

A confession video recorded after his arrest was also obtained by Minute Mirror. In the video, the suspect identifies himself and acknowledges his involvement in the September 15 incident. He also apologises to the girl and her family.

According to the statement attributed to the suspect, he said the incident was his third such act and claimed that he had previously committed similar acts on two occasions. Police are investigating the claim and attempting to establish whether there were other victims.

The suspect’s statement alone does not establish his responsibility for the alleged previous incidents, and investigators are expected to verify the claims through evidence and other available records.

Police officials also said a pistol was recovered from the suspect during the operation. Authorities said the weapon allegedly did not fire during the encounter.

Following his arrest, Najaf Ali was shifted to Surjani Town Police Station. Police registered a case under relevant provisions relating to harassment and assault and initiated further investigation into the incident.

Investigators are also examining the suspect’s background and attempting to determine whether he has been involved in any other criminal activities in the area. Police are expected to review available records and gather further evidence as part of the investigation.

The incident has caused concern among residents of Surjani Town, with locals calling for strict legal action if the allegations are established in court. Some residents have also demanded that the suspect’s motorcycle and other relevant evidence be examined as part of the investigation.

Police officials said the accused would be produced before the court for remand as the investigation proceeds.

Authorities have urged citizens to report incidents of harassment or violence through proper legal channels and said that evidence, including CCTV recordings, can assist investigators in identifying suspects and establishing the circumstances of reported offences.

The case remains under investigation, while police continue efforts to verify the allegations and determine whether the suspect was connected to any other reported incidents in Surjani Town.