KARACHI (HRNW)- A 17-year-old student was allegedly shot dead during a robbery at a house in Karachi’s Manghopir area after masked armed men, reportedly including individuals wearing police uniforms, entered the residence and opened fire.
The incident reportedly occurred around 4 a.m. on the night between Monday and Tuesday in Mehran City, Block 6, Manghopir. The deceased, identified as Rosham, was described by his family as the only brother of eight sisters and a high-achieving student.
According to the victim’s father, Dr. Ruaidad Khan, six masked and heavily armed men entered the house, two of whom were allegedly wearing police uniforms.
The father said he came out after hearing suspicious noises while carrying his licensed pistol, while his son Rosham also came out of another room. According to him, the suspects immediately opened indiscriminate fire, and one bullet struck Rosham in the chest, killing him at the scene.
Dr. Ruaidad Khan said he did not fire his licensed weapon because he feared that the men might actually be police officers and that a retaliatory exchange of fire could put other members of his family at risk.
The victim’s father further claimed that he had submitted three applications to Manghopir Police Station during the past two months. He alleged that robberies involving individuals wearing police uniforms had been occurring in the area for approximately 20 to 25 days, but that no effective action had been taken.
Following the incident, Dr. Ruaidad reportedly announced that he would not bury his son until the suspects were arrested. He also said that if justice was not provided, the family would stage a protest and could hold a sit-in outside the residence of the President of Pakistan.
After medico-legal formalities at Abbasi Shaheed Hospital, the victim’s body was handed over to the family and shifted to their home.
The incident has triggered grief and anger in the area. The relevant authorities have been urged to conduct an immediate, transparent and impartial investigation, identify those involved, investigate the alleged misuse of police uniforms and bring anyone found responsible to justice.
Human Rights Angle
The alleged killing of a 17-year-old inside his family home raises serious concerns about citizens’ right to life, personal security and protection from violent crime. If the allegations regarding the use of police uniforms by criminals are established, the matter would also raise serious concerns about public trust in law-enforcement institutions.
The affected family should be provided with access to justice, legal protection and appropriate support. Any negligence or involvement by law-enforcement personnel, if established through investigation, should be dealt with strictly under the law.
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Disclaimer
This report is based on information provided by the victim’s family and the details supplied regarding the incident. Allegations concerning the identity of the attackers, use of police uniforms, robberies in the area and alleged police negligence have not been independently established in this report. Final responsibility will depend on the findings of the police investigation and, where applicable, the decision of a competent court.
