Chips seller shot dead during police ‘encounter’ with drug peddlers in Karachi

Published June 4, 2021
Investigation of a police 'encounter' that caused death of a chips seller is underway. —Reuters/File
Investigation of a police 'encounter' that caused death of a chips seller is underway. —Reuters/File

A passerby was shot dead during an 'encounter' between law enforcement personnel and suspected criminals in Karachi's Nazimabad-1 area on Friday evening, according to police.

A police party conducted an action in Kabuli Bazaar near Saifullah Hotel where an exchange of fire took place between the security personnel and alleged drug peddlers.

Central SSP Murtaza Tabassum told media that a potato chips seller, identified as Usman Khalid, 40, was killed during the cross-fire. He said an inquiry had been launched to ascertain as to whose firing caused the man's death.

The body was shifted to Abbasi Shaheed Hospital for medico-legal formalities.

Last year in October, six policemen in Karachi had killed an innocent citizen and injured two others in the Korangi Industrial Area after mistaking them for robbers.

Police had initially claimed that the casualties were the result of an 'encounter' that took place during a robbery in Mehran Town.

However, it later transpired that the deceased and injured were victims of the robbery, which prompted higher authorities to order an inquiry into the incident to ascertain the veracity of their relatives' claims.

The cops who were found guilty were later arrested.

Opinion

Editorial

Judiciary’s SOS
Updated 28 Mar, 2024

Judiciary’s SOS

The ball is now in CJP Isa’s court, and he will feel pressure to take action.
Data protection
28 Mar, 2024

Data protection

WHAT do we want? Data protection laws. When do we want them? Immediately. Without delay, if we are to prevent ...
Selling humans
28 Mar, 2024

Selling humans

HUMAN traders feed off economic distress; they peddle promises of a better life to the impoverished who, mired in...
New terror wave
Updated 27 Mar, 2024

New terror wave

The time has come for decisive government action against militancy.
Development costs
27 Mar, 2024

Development costs

A HEFTY escalation of 30pc in the cost of ongoing federal development schemes is one of the many decisions where the...
Aitchison controversy
Updated 27 Mar, 2024

Aitchison controversy

It is hoped that higher authorities realise that politics and nepotism have no place in schools.