Karachi Police Encounter: Inquiry Ordered After Teenage Girl Killed in Landhi Crossfire

Karachi Police Launch Inquiry After Teen Girl Killed by Stray Bullet in Landhi Crossfire Incident

Karachi, Pakistan | Chatzyr.net

Police have launched an official inquiry into the tragic death of a 17-year-old girl who was killed by a stray bullet while travelling in a rickshaw in Karachi’s Landhi area on Friday. The victim’s family has alleged that she was caught in a crossfire between police and suspected robbers, raising serious concerns over public safety during police encounters in the city.

According to Landhi Station House Officer (SHO) Salahuddin Qazi, the teenage girl, a resident of the Lines Area, had accompanied her mother to visit relatives in Landhi. While returning home, a bullet pierced the rickshaw and struck her in the chest.

She was rushed in critical condition to Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Centre (JPMC), where doctors declared her dead on arrival.

Family Alleges Police–Robbers Crossfire

Speaking to media at the hospital, the victim’s uncle alleged that the girl was killed during a gunfight between police and criminals in the area. Police Surgeon Dr Summaiya Syed confirmed the death and said the family declined to pursue medico-legal procedures, taking the body away after initial formalities.

Inquiry Committee Formed by SSP Korangi

Taking notice of the incident, Korangi SSP Fida Husain Janwari ordered a formal inquiry and constituted a committee led by Landhi DSP Faiza Sodhar, with SHOs from Landhi and Awami Colony included as members.

A police spokesperson said the committee has been instructed to conduct a transparent and comprehensive investigation and submit its findings immediately.

Police Version of Events

According to police, personnel from Awami Colony police station were chasing suspects who allegedly carried out a robbery outside a bank in Korangi. During the pursuit, suspects reportedly opened indiscriminate fire on police.

One suspect was injured and arrested, while another escaped. Police said they recovered a pistol and a mobile phone from the wounded suspect. Later, police were informed that a teenage girl had been injured during the firing.

However, SHO Salahuddin Qazi stated that the initial investigation revealed discrepancies in the timing of the two incidents. He said the girl was shot around 11:30am, while the alleged police encounter reportedly occurred around 1:00pm.

Police also claimed that the victim’s uncle submitted a written statement describing the death as an “incident” and stated that the family did not wish to pursue legal action.

Repeated Incidents Raise Safety Concerns in Karachi

This is not the first time a bystander has lost their life in Karachi crossfire incidents. In October last year, two passersby were killed during a clash between armed groups in Ittehad Town’s Khyber Chowk.

South DIG Syed Asad Raza said the victims were hit during firing between rival groups and later died during treatment at Civil Hospital Karachi.

The latest Landhi incident has once again sparked debate over police encounter practices, civilian safety, and accountability in Karachi law-and-order operations.