KARACHI, Dec 1: City police chief on Sunday initiated a departmental action against the SHO of Artillery Maidan police station over a case of ‘murder’ which, in fact, is not a murder.

The police chief, for the departmental action, has cited the attack on Mohammad Haroon, 55, the manager of Rehmani Garments on Saturday.

According to police, the victim was about to open his shop on the second floor of Karim Centre when an unidentified man opened fire at him. Haroon received two bullets and was rushed to the JPMC where he underwent an emergency operation. However, he is now recovering fast from his wounds at Ward No 26. Doctors also confirmed that he was out of danger.

Police said that his statement would be recorded as soon as the doctors gave permission for the purpose.

Police sources claimed that the city police chief, Asad Ashraf Malik, was absolutely unaware of the realities. It is pertinent to mention here that for the last many months, no murder had taken place in the jurisdiction of Artillery Maidan police station.

Mr Malik declined comment as his telephone operator, when contacted, said that he was busy in a meeting and could not speak to Dawn.

A spokesman for the city police chief on Sunday said that SHOs of other police stations had also been warned against lethargy and negligence. He said that the SHOs would be held responsible for any crime in their respective jurisdiction and that the concerned DSPs could also face departmental action over the cases related to murder, dacoity, carjacking, etc.

Directives have been issued to all the Town Police Officers (TPOs) to ensure proper vigilance and provide protection to people at public places, especially shopping centres, parking areas, etc.