Karachi: Police have arrested two security guards allegedly involved in the assault and detention of Karachi University professor Arif Khan Saqi in Karachi.
Police arrested the two guards, identified as Gul Sher and Taj Muhammad, after registering a case over the alleged assault of Karachi University professor Dr Arif Khan Saqi near Safora Chowrangi. Dawn separately reported that three suspects had been arrested in connection with the incident.
The case was registered at Sachal police station after the professor alleged that he and his nephew were assaulted by armed men following a road incident. Police said the suspects named in the case included Konain Shah, his gunman and others.
According to Dr Saqi’s account, he was travelling to the university in a car driven by his nephew when a pickup vehicle allegedly reversed into their car near the Sindh Green area. He said he approached the occupants and asked them to compensate for the damage, explaining that the vehicle was rented and his nephew depended on driving for his livelihood.
The professor alleged that a man identified as Konain became angry when he asked for his name and then assaulted him with the butt of a weapon. He said other guards subsequently joined the attack.
Dawn reported that the professor and his nephew were allegedly taken to a nearby hotel and held there against their will before police intervened. An FIR was registered under sections relating to rioting, possession of deadly weapons, attempted murder and wrongful confinement.
The arrested suspects have been handed over to investigators for questioning, while police are continuing efforts to locate other people named in the case.
The incident has also triggered condemnation from Karachi University teachers and students. The university’s teachers’ association called for those responsible to face legal action, while students held a protest at the university’s Silver Jubilee Gate.
The case highlights concerns about the use of armed private security in ordinary disputes. For now, the allegations against the arrested men remain subject to investigation and any determination of guilt will rest with the courts.
