A private media outlet has reported that Deputy Inspector General of Operations (DIG) South Asad Raza confirmed that the people seen in CCTV footage of an assault in Karachi’s Defence Phase 6 include the sister-in-law, mother-in-law and brother-in-law of Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Korangi Fida Hussain.
According to the report, the media outlet obtained a private family photograph showing Fida Hussain with three women and a boy, who were allegedly seen in the CCTV footage.
The outlet contacted SSP Fida Hussain with questions about the photograph, the identities of the people seen in the footage and the presence of Korangi police personnel at the scene.
He was also asked who had instructed the police officers to be present and allegedly participate in the incident.
However, according to the report, Fida Hussain did not respond to the questions.
The media outlet then contacted DIG South Asad Raza, who is leading the investigation, and asked him to confirm whether the woman in the footage was Fida Hussain’s sister-in-law and whether his mother-in-law and brother-in-law were also seen in the footage.
DIG Asad Raza confirmed this with a “Yes”.
The affected family has since recorded its statements with DIG South and submitted additional video evidence to police. Statements from the police personnel seen in the footage have also been recorded.
The victims’ lawyer said that the family was assured of a “thorough investigation” and action against the culprits. He added that the victims remain fearful, have not returned home and are staying with relatives amid alleged threats and pressure to reach a settlement.
DIG South also confirmed that security had been provided to the affected family.
Meanwhile, the affected woman and her brother approached the Sindh High Court (SHC) seeking dismissal of the FIR [First Information Report] registered against them.
The court directed police to provide protection to the applicants, issued notices to both parties and adjourned the hearing until September 21.
