Unexpected Turn in DHA Torture Case: Victim Pardons Suspects

The case involving the alleged torture of a young man in the Ittehad Commercial area of Defence Housing Authority (DHA), Karachi, experienced a surprising development on Thursday. The victim, identified as Sudheer, appeared in court and stated that he had forgiven the accused individuals and wished to drop all charges against them.

Earlier in the week, the Judicial Magistrate South court had ordered a two-day police remand for two suspects, Salman Farooqi and Owaish Hashmi, concerning the assault incident. This incident had previously sparked considerable public condemnation.

The complaint against the accused was filed at the Gizri police station by an eyewitness named Saleem. According to Saleem, a minor collision occurred on May 31 between a sports utility vehicle and a motorcycle near Ittehad Commercial in DHA Phase VI.

Reportedly, the motorcyclist and his sisters apologized following the incident.

However, it is alleged that Farooqi instructed his companions to forcefully confine the motorcyclist inside his vehicle, where he was subjected to physical violence, gun threats, and humiliation. The victim’s sister, who was present at the scene, was also reportedly pushed despite her appeals for restraint.

Several onlookers recorded the event, and the videos quickly spread across social media platforms, drawing immediate attention from SSP South and the interior minister. Subsequently, law enforcement conducted raids, leading to the apprehension of the suspects.

The accused were presented before the Additional District and Sessions Judge South court earlier today. Sudheer, the person who was attacked, was also in attendance. He recognized both suspects but claimed he was unaware of the court summons, only learning about it through his legal representative on the same day.

When the court inquired whether he was under any duress, Sudheer responded that he did not wish to continue with the case and had pardoned the suspects. He further added that he would not object to whatever decision the court makes.

Sudheer admitted that the fault lay with him as his motorcycle had collided with the car.

The attorney representing the defendants argued that the charges in the case were bailable offenses. Conversely, the public prosecutor opposed the bail application, asserting that the suspects were also charged under sections pertaining to issuing threats and subjecting a woman to humiliation, which are non-bailable offences. Following legal arguments, the court reserved its decision on the bail plea for a few hours before ultimately rejecting the petition for both suspects.

Additionally, the Judicial Magistrate South court has remanded both suspects to jail on judicial custody. The court has requested a progress report from the investigating officer at the upcoming hearing.