Victim of Karachi’s DHA torture incident pardons suspects

KARACHI, JUNE 5 (DNA): The case of torture of a young man in the Ittehad Commercial area of Defence Housing Authority (DHA) in Karachi took an unexpected turn on Thursday as the victim, Sudheer, appeared before the court and said that he had pardoned the suspects and wished to pursue no charges against them.

Earlier in the week, the Judicial Magistrate South court had remanded two suspects, Salman Farooqi and Owaish Hashmi, into police custody for two days in connection with the assault, which drew widespread public outrage.

The case against the suspects was registered at Gizri police station on the complaint of an eyewitness named Saleem. He said that a minor collision took place on May 31 between an SUV and a motorcycle near Ittehad Commercial in DHA Phase VI.

Following the accident, an apology was also offered by the motorcyclist and his sisters.

However, Farooqi allegedly directed his associates to forcibly detain the motorcyclist inside his vehicle, where he was beaten, threatened at gunpoint, and humiliated. The victim’s sister, who was present, was also reportedly shoved despite her pleas.

Several bystanders recorded the incident, and videos soon went viral online, prompting immediate notice from SSP South and the interior minister. After that, the police carried out raids and arrested the suspects.

The suspects were brought before the Additional District and Sessions Judge South court today. Sudheer, the victim, was also present on this occasion. He identified both suspects but said he was unaware he had been summoned by the court, only learning of it through his lawyer today.

The court asked if he was under any pressure, Sudheer replied that he did not want to pursue the case and had forgiven the suspects. He further stated that he would have no objection to whatever judgement the court makes.

Sudheer said it was his fault as his motorcycle had collided with the car.

The defendants’ lawyer said the charges levelled in the case were bailable. However, the public prosecutor opposed the bail petition, arguing that the suspects were also booked under sections related to issuing threats and humiliating a woman, which are non-bailable offences. Following arguments from the lawyers, the court reserved its verdict on the bail plea for a couple of hours, before dismissing the petition for both the suspects.

Meanwhile, the Judicial Magistrate South court has sent both the suspects to jail on judicial remand. The court has sought a progress report from the investigating officer on the next hearing.