DADU: Police on Wednesday appeared to take credit for killing in encounter a suspect, who was allegedly involved in armed attack on two journalists near press club a day before, but hastened to dismiss speculation about the outlaw’s links to police.

Police officials had initially reported the attacker identified as Mohammad Ali Khaskheli had died by gunshots fired by his own associates during exchange of fire with police.

On Wednesday, Dadu SSP Captain (retired) Saud Ahmed Magsi confirmed that the suspect was among the group of assailants, who had attacked the journalist, Niaz Chandio, over tribal enmity.

A bystander, Rafiq Channa, sustained a gunshot wound to the abdomen during the outlaws’ attack while Mohammad Ali was fatally injured by a police constable, Maqsood Vighio, of Madadgar 15, who happened to be near the press club at that time, said officials, adding the suspect had a criminal record involving various offenses.

Police dismiss links with suspect

About a number of viral videos showing the suspect in police uniform holding a walkie talkie and posing near police mobile van, the SSP cast doubt on the originality of the videos and said an investigation was under way to determine the origin and authenticity of the content.

The suspects’ videos that began circulating on social media after the incident sparked intense speculation in public about the nature of his links with the law enforcement agency.

Police sources said the suspect was also wanted in connection with his involvement in the violence linked to ongoing dispute between Chandio and Jamali groups.

Dadu police denied any connection with the suspect or police department, while SSP Jamshoro Mohammad Zaffar Siddiq Chhanga said the setting in the video did not resemble to any building of a police station in the entire district. “We have no such facility where this person is seen with police equipment,” he claimed.

Journalists stage protests

Journalists in Dadu, Sehwan, Khairpur Nathan Shah, Johi and Mehar held demonstrations demanding justice and immediate arrest of the assailants, who attacked journalists a day before.

They urged chief minister and IGP take notice of the attack on journalists.

Published in Dawn, June 26th, 2025