KARACHI: A man was shot dead and three others were wounded in a clash between two gangs on Thursday in Old Golimar, according to police and rescue services.

The relatives/residents claimed that the deceased was a passer-by, but the police claimed that he was a member of one of the gangs.

Several residents encircled the Pak Colony police station in protest against the law enforcers’ failure to control crimes in the gang-infested locality of Old Golimar. The law enforcers pushed the protesters, but they continued the demo.

A police officer, who wished not to be named, said that a gang led by Naveed alias Kupi and Ali alias Dada attacked their supposed rival gang led by Shahnawaz and Munawar near Ayesha Manzil in Golimar. It ensued heavy exchange of firing between the two sides, triggering fear and panic among the residents.

Terrified residents of Old Golimar closed windows and doors of their houses and put off lights.

During the exchange of firing, one person was shot dead while three others were injured, said the officer.

The officer claimed that the deceased and the injured were members of the gang led by Shahnawaz.

However, the protesters disputed the police’s version. They claimed that the deceased was a ‘passer-by’ who was caught in the ‘crossfire.’

Another police officer said that hundreds of protesters encircled the Pak Colony police station, demanding arrest of the killers. They were also protesting against the alleged ‘inaction’ by the law enforcers as they claimed that a check post was established near the fighting spot, but they did not take action against the criminals. The residents asked as to why the law enforcers did not take action when the gangs fought with each other.

A source said the police pushed the protesters who later on gathered at Shahnawaz Chowk to protest. The law enforcers have engaged them in talks to address their concerns.

An Edhi Foundation spokesperson identified the deceased as Tahir Rasheed, 25, whose body was shifted to the Civil Hospital Karachi for medico-legal formalities.

A social activist of the locality said that several gangsters were eliminated during the Karachi Operation, but still there were many gangs who were operating in Old Golimar, Jahanabad and some parts of Lyari where drugs were being sold.

Published in Dawn, September 8th, 2023