DHA Assault Case: Arrests Climb to Four as Police Nab Second Suspect

Karachi police have made further progress in the DHA assault case, with the total number of arrests now standing at four. This development follows the apprehension of a second individual who was seen participating in the assault of a young motorcyclist, an incident captured in a widely circulated video.

According to law enforcement, the second suspect was identified through meticulous examination of CCTV footage. His arrest occurred a day after the initial apprehension of Salman Farooqi, the primary suspect in the case.

“This individual is also visible in the video, actively participating in the assault against the victim,” police officials stated. Prior to this, Farooqi’s security guard and driver were taken into custody, bringing the total number of individuals detained in connection with the incident to four.

The case, which has sparked considerable public outcry, was formally registered at the Gizri police station based on a complaint filed by an eyewitness identified as Saleem. Saleem reported that a minor traffic incident occurred on May 31 near Ittehad Commercial in DHA Phase VI, involving an SUV and a motorcycle.

Eyewitness accounts indicate that the motorcyclist and his sisters offered an apology following the minor collision.

It is alleged that Farooqi instructed his accomplices to forcibly confine the motorcyclist within his vehicle. Inside the vehicle, the motorcyclist was reportedly subjected to physical assault, threats involving a firearm, and acts of humiliation. The victim’s sister, who was present at the scene, was also allegedly pushed despite her attempts to intervene.

Numerous bystanders documented the event, and the resulting videos rapidly gained traction online. This widespread circulation prompted immediate intervention from SSP South and the interior minister. DIG South Syed Asad Raza confirmed that Farooqi had been arrested and was being held at the Gizri police station.

Additionally, authorities have impounded Farooqi’s vehicle. The DIG clarified that the suspect does not hold a position as a government official, thereby dispelling earlier reports suggesting inaction on the part of the police. “No individual is exempt from the rule of law. This matter is being treated with the utmost seriousness. The victim will be ensured complete justice.”

Additional IG Javed Alam Odho, the Karachi Police Chief, has instructed the South District SSP to expedite the arrest and prosecution of all individuals involved in the incident.

The FIR includes charges under Sections 506-B, 354, 342, 34, and 504 of the Pakistan Penal Code, addressing offenses such as criminal intimidation, assault with intent to outrage modesty, wrongful confinement, common intention, and intentional insult.

Law enforcement is actively working to locate the affected family, who are believed to reside in the Ranchore Line area. However, neither the victim nor his sister has contacted the police thus far. Authorities have conducted multiple visits to the area in an effort to locate them.