Bullet shell from alleged Karachi shootout matches police weapon: sources

Published April 20, 2019
Two-year-old Mohammed Ahsan had been killed near Safoora Chowrangi in what was described as a shootout between police and muggers. ─ AFP/File
Two-year-old Mohammed Ahsan had been killed near Safoora Chowrangi in what was described as a shootout between police and muggers. ─ AFP/File

The only bullet shell found at the scene of Tuesday's alleged shootout in Karachi that caused a two-year-old boy's death was fired from a police weapon, informed sources told Dawn citing a forensic report.

Two-year-old Mohammed Ahsan had been killed near Safoora Chowrangi in what was described as a shootout between police and muggers.

The deceased's family had, however, contested the police's version that the child was caught in crossfire, saying that there were neither any muggers present at the site of the incident nor did any shootouts take place.

The family had alleged that the policemen were quarrelling with each other before they resorted to firing, which claimed the life of the child.

The investigators had found a spent bullet casing at the crime scene, which following its forensic examination, has been linked with the law enforcers' weapon, sources told Dawn.

However, the investigation team said that since the incident had occurred on the main University Road, a busy thoroughfare, therefore, evidence proving the presence of muggers at the scene may have been destroyed.

Meanwhile, the investigation of the case has been transferred from Malir district police to the Counter Terrorism Department with immediate effect.

The transfer, which comes on Inspector General of Police Dr Syed Kaleem Imam's orders and upon the family's request, was made in order to "ensure a fair and impartial probe".

Opinion

Editorial

Solar interrupted
18 Feb, 2026

Solar interrupted

THE fact that Nepra’s controversial decision to radically alter the incentive structure for distributed solar ...
Ramazan relief
Updated 18 Feb, 2026

Ramazan relief

The challenge before the state is to ensure that goods of a reasonable quality are sold as per notified rates.
Curating controversy
18 Feb, 2026

Curating controversy

WHEN a museum alters a descriptor, it is never just about a word. It impacts memory, identity and who gets to belong...
Israeli land grab
Updated 17 Feb, 2026

Israeli land grab

ISRAEL has deployed two specific methods to dispossess Palestinians in the occupied territories. In Gaza, we have...
Runaway numbers
17 Feb, 2026

Runaway numbers

PAKISTAN’S rapid population growth has become a structural drag on economic growth. With national output expanding...
Crumbling under pressure
17 Feb, 2026

Crumbling under pressure

AFTER so much happened off the field, it was ultimately a mismatch on it. Pakistan were once again second-best...