Incident Details
A station house officer (SHO) in Karachi was suspended and demoted on Wednesday after assaulting a lawyer, leading to an hours-long clash between law enforcement officials and several lawyers at the Gulistan-e-Jauhar Police Station.
Clash at the Police Station
- Initiation: The clash began when senior lawyer and Sindh High Court (SHC) member Qadir Rajpar arrived at the police station with a client and a court order for the release of a vehicle. Rajpar alleged that the SHO and other staff members misbehaved with him and did not comply with the court orders.
- Gathering of Lawyers: Following the incident, a large number of lawyers gathered outside the station and blocked the road.
- Scuffle: A scuffle broke out between the lawyers and policemen, with both sides claiming injuries. The police stated that lawyers attempted to enter the station, resulting in injuries to several officials.
Police Response
- Misunderstanding: The police mentioned that a plain-clothed person, who was neither in a lawyer’s uniform nor introduced himself, entered the SHO’s side room. When asked to leave, the person allegedly started verbally abusing the officers.
- Large Gathering: Following the verbal altercation, a number of lawyers arrived at the station and attacked the gate.
Statements and Allegations
- Lawyer’s Account: Speaking to the media, Rajpar stated that he went to the station with his client due to a dispute over the custody of the vehicle and that the SHO tortured him, broke his finger, and injured his head.
- Karachi Bar Association: General Secretary Ikhtiar Channa claimed that the SHO prohibited the investigating officer from releasing the vehicle, locked up the fellow lawyer, and tortured him.
Aftermath and Legal Action
- Negotiations: Following the incident, negotiations took place between senior police officials and Karachi Bar Association representatives.
- Suspension and Case: As a result of the negotiations, the SHO was suspended and demoted at the request of the lawyers. A case was filed against the SHO and the staff, including provisions of terrorism, attempted murder, and torture.
- Protest and FIR: The lawyers continued protesting until they received a copy of the first information report (FIR). More than 15 policemen have been named in the case.
