An official inquiry into a physical altercation at an apartment complex in Defence Housing Authority (DHA) Phase 6 has found that the allegations recorded in the first information report (FIR) were not supported by the evidence gathered during the investigation.
The inquiry, prompted by CCTV footage of the incident that circulated widely on social media, has also recommended departmental proceedings against several police officers for their alleged role in mishandling the situation.
The altercation took place last week and involved residents of an apartment building. Video footage showed police personnel restraining a woman while another woman approached her carrying a dumbbell and struck her.
Despite the visuals, the FIR was registered against the woman who was assaulted and her brother. The registration of the case subsequently led authorities to order a fact-finding inquiry.
Investigators reviewed documentary material, electronic evidence and departmental records, in addition to examining CCTV and mobile phone recordings. Statements from 13 individuals were also obtained.
The report concluded that the dispute originated over parking between the mother-in-law of Korangi SSP Fida Hussain Janwari and another resident of the building.
Two constables, Saqib and Haider Sultan, were identified as the police personnel seen in the CCTV footage. The inquiry identified Constable Taimoor Ahmed as the plainclothes official who damaged the CCTV camera, while Constable Amir Sohail was the officer who provided him with the weapon used to destroy it.
The report noted that all four officers had been assigned to security duties at the private residence of the Korangi SSP.
The inquiry recommended that the case registered under the FIR be dealt with in accordance with the law, noting that the findings did not corroborate its allegations.
It further recommended registration of a case against the SSP’s mother-in-law, her daughter and son, as well as the police officials present during the incident. The family affected by the incident, it said, should be free to pursue legal proceedings against those involved.
The inquiry also questioned the arrests made at the scene by Darakhshan Station House Officer Rashid Ali and Assistant Sub-Inspector Aftab Mangi, saying they were made without sufficient justification and appeared to favour the more aggressive side of the dispute.
The investigating officer, Sub-Inspector Imran, was also criticised for failing to make serious efforts to gather evidence and for not conducting an independent assessment of the case.
The report recommended strict departmental proceedings against all three officials from District South, citing concerns over the handling of the case and the possibility of a miscarriage of justice.
It also criticised Constables Taimoor Ahmed and Amir Sohail, saying their alleged involvement in supporting one side of the confrontation and damaging the CCTV camera went beyond the scope of legitimate police duties and could amount to serious misconduct.
Constables Saqib and Haider Sultan were also accused of failing to perform their responsibilities impartially. According to the inquiry, their conduct contributed to the escalation of the confrontation and the subsequent assault.
The report recommended disciplinary action against all four constables under the applicable rules.
The inquiry further pointed to shortcomings in supervision and command on the part of Korangi SSP Fida Hussain Janwari. It recommended that his overall conduct be reviewed under the Civil Servants (Efficiency and Discipline) Rules, 2020, with further action to be considered based on the findings.
