Karachi cop killed in shootout with Rangers sepoy over 'personal grudge'

A Sindh police cop and Rangers officer exchanged gunfire in Karachi’s Site area. The clash reportedly stemmed from a 'personal grudge' between the two, resulting in the death of a police constable and injuries to a Rangers man. 

The injured Rangers officer alleged Constable Waseem was  involved in a street crime incident.

According to SSP Keamari, initial investigations revealed that an argument broke out between the police officer and the Rangers man, which escalated into an exchange of gunfire. As a result, the police officer was killed, while Rangers sepoy Muhammad Noman sustained injuries.

He stated that two 9mm pistols were recovered from the scene. Noman is currently posted with the 34 Wing, while the deceased officer was identified as Waseem Akhtar, who was serving at the Gulshan-e-Maymar Police Station.

Deputy Inspector General (DIG) South, Syed Asad Raza stated that both individuals, dressed in plain clothes and riding separate motorcycles, arrived at Hub Bank Chowk around 10:45 am.

A heated argument and physical altercation broke out between them, which quickly escalated into an exchange of gunfire.

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Police arrived at the scene and transported Constable Waseem's body to Abbasi Shaheed Hospital. Investigators recovered two 9mm pistols, one marked and one unmarked, eight bullets, and two motorcycles from the scene.

According to the Citizens-Police Liaison Committee (CPLC), neither motorcycle had a registered number plate.

DIG Raza said that Muhammad Noman reached the Rangers Hospital in North Nazimabad on his own. The Crime Scene Unit and other investigation officials collected forensic evidence from the site.

CCTV footage from nearby shops and streets was obtained to aid the investigation.

DIG South confirmed that the evidence, including surveillance footage, supported the conclusion that the incident was not related to any robbery or street crime, but rather stemmed from a personal conflict between the two personnel.

A formal case is being registered based on a complaint filed by the father of the deceased, who is a sub-inspector at the Landhi police station.

According to initial findings, a woman may have been the source of the conflict between the two men, although further investigation is ongoing.

SSP Keamari added that the injured Rangers official is currently unconscious and receiving treatment at the hospital.