KARACHI – A 17-year-old girl lost her life after being hit by a stray bullet while traveling in a rickshaw in the Landhi area on Saturday. The family of the deceased has alleged that she was caught in the crossfire during a shootout between police and robbers.
Details of the Incident
The victim, identified as Komal Laiq, a resident of Lines Area, had gone to Landhi with her mother to visit her grandmother. According to Landhi SHO Salahuddin Qazi, the incident occurred while they were returning home.
A bullet reportedly pierced through the rickshaw’s glass and struck Komal in the chest, causing critical injuries. She was rushed to the Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Centre (JPMC), where doctors confirmed her death.
Family Allegations and Medical Report
Komal’s uncle, Rehan, spoke to the media at the hospital, claiming that the fatal shot was fired during an exchange of fire between law enforcement and criminals.
Police Surgeon Dr. Summaiya Syed stated that the girl was brought dead to the hospital. However, the family declined to permit a formal medico-legal examination (post-mortem) and took the body away.
Police Encounter and Arrest
In a related development, police officials stated that an Awami Colony police party was chasing suspects who had attempted a robbery outside a bank in Korangi. According to the police spokesperson, the suspects opened fire indiscriminately while trying to escape.
In the retaliatory fire, one suspect, identified as Maula Bakhsh, was arrested in an injured condition, while his accomplice managed to flee. A pistol and a mobile phone were recovered from the arrested suspect.
High-Level Inquiry Launched
Taking notice of the tragic death, SSP Korangi Fida Hussain has constituted a formal inquiry committee to determine the exact circumstances of the shooting.
- Chairperson: DSP Landhi Faiza Sudhar.
- Members: SHO Landhi and SIO Awami Colony.
- Objective: The committee has been tasked with conducting a transparent and thorough investigation and submitting an immediate report to ensure accountability.
