Two police officers have been formally booked in connection with the alleged custodial death of a teenage boy held by the Special Investigation Unit, Karachi Police (SIU) in Karachi, while the victim’s family and local residents staged a protest at Sohrab Goth demanding justice.
According to the FIR registered at Saddar Police Station, the case is filed under Sections 34 (common intention) and 319 (manslaughter) of the Pakistan Penal Code against seven SIU/CIA officers following the death of the youth, identified as Muhammad Irfan, while in custody.
Karachi police announced the arrest of two of the accused officers and stated that the case may be upgraded to Section 302 (premeditated murder) if further evidence warrants. Statement from the city’s South Deputy Inspector-General of Police confirmed that a preliminary post-mortem report indicates signs of torture.
Meanwhile, the victim’s relatives and community members held a sit-in protest at the Edhi Morgue in Sohrab Goth, blocking the main road and carrying the coffin of the deceased youth. They objected to the FIR having been registered on behalf of the SIU rather than the family of the deceased, alleging lack of transparency and proper accountability.
The protesters demanded that the state register a murder case and hold all involved officers to account. They also called on the provincial chief minister and police chief to intervene and ensure an impartial investigation. The incident has reignited public concern over custodial torture and accountability of law-enforcement agencies in Karachi.
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