Three detained over assault on Karachi University professor

Police have detained three people over the alleged assault of University of Karachi Professor Arif Khan Saqi, head of the Department of Islamic Studies.

Police have detained three people over the alleged assault of University of Karachi Professor Arif Khan Saqi, head of the Department of Islamic Studies.

According to police, Professor Saqi was travelling to the university in an online taxi when the vehicle stopped near Safora Chowk. A double-cabin vehicle allegedly hit the taxi while reversing.

A dispute reportedly started after the collision. Police said the double-cabin was carrying the son of a local hotel owner and his armed guards.

The suspects allegedly assaulted the professor after the accident. They reportedly hit him on the head with a pistol butt and pushed him.

The professor was allegedly dragged into a nearby hotel. He was reportedly beaten again inside the premises.

Professor Saqi said he had asked the occupants of the double-cabin to compensate the online taxi driver. He said the driver was a poor worker and had suffered damage to his vehicle.

According to the professor, the hotel owner’s son became angry over his request. He allegedly attacked him with a pistol butt and also fired shots into the air.

Police said the three people taken into custody are hotel employees. Officers are continuing their search for other suspects allegedly involved in the incident.

A case has been registered over the alleged assault at Sachal police station. The FIR was filed on Professor Arif Khan Saqi’s complaint.

The case names Koneen Ali Gohar Shah and several other suspects. The FIR includes charges relating to attempted murder, assault, causing injuries and unlawful confinement.

According to the FIR, two armed guards allegedly assaulted Professor Saqi and his nephew. The professor said the confrontation began after their vehicle was damaged.

He alleged that the suspects took him and his nephew to a hotel after the incident. They were allegedly held there against their will and subjected to further violence.

The professor also alleged that the suspects opened fire into the air during the confrontation.

The FIR states that the armed suspects also took his nephew’s vehicle with them before leaving the area.

Police later reached the scene and recovered Professor Saqi and his nephew. The suspects had reportedly fled before the police arrived.

The Karachi University Teachers’ Association has condemned the alleged attack. The association has demanded immediate action against those responsible.

It has also called on the authorities to ensure that the suspects face legal consequences.