Karachi Court Demands Police Response in DHA Scuffle Case

In a significant move toward justice, a Karachi additional sessions court has issued notices to the South senior superintendent of police (SSP) and the Darakhshan station house officer (SHO). This action comes in response to a plea seeking the registration of a case over a scuffle in a Defence Housing Authority (DHA) apartment. The court has directed these officials to submit their replies by Wednesday, underscoring the judiciary's commitment to upholding the law.

What happened in the DHA Phase 6 apartment scuffle?

A video of an argument between residents of two apartments in DHA Phase 6 surfaced on social media last week, sparking public outrage. The footage shows a woman rushing down a flight of stairs with a dumbbell in her hand, charging at another woman and hitting her. The video also depicts two individuals in what appears to be police uniforms restraining the woman being assaulted. Later, a man in shalwar kameez can be seen using a weapon, provided by one of the people in uniform, to smash the CCTV camera.

Why is the petitioner demanding a new FIR?

The woman who was seen being hit in the video approached the court on Monday, requesting that a first information report (FIR) be filed. Her lawyer, Advocate Muhammad Arif, argued that the police have failed to register a case despite her request, even though an FIR had already been filed against her on August 21. The petitioner claims her alleged attackers are influential people and that she and her family feel severely unsafe after the torture and the case.

“The victims feel severely unsafe after the torture and the case,” the petition said.

What does the existing FIR say about the incident?

The FIR registered at Darakhshan police station at 1:40am on Aug 21 offers a different version of events. It was filed on the complaint of the woman accused of attacking the petitioner. The FIR invoked Sections 354, 504, 506, 337A(i), 382, and 34 of the Pakistan Penal Code. However, South Deputy Inspector General (DIG) Syed Asad Raza confirmed that Section 382, pertaining to the alleged theft of gold ornaments, has been removed from the FIR as the incident appears to be a case of assault.

What is the current legal status of the case?

Sessions Court Judge Abdul Zahoor has issued notices to the South SSP and Darakhshan SHO, directing them to submit their replies by Wednesday. Additionally, Advocate Arif has moved a separate plea before the Sindh High Court (SHC) seeking the quashing of the FIR registered against his client and her brother. The SHC has reportedly issued notices to the respondents and directed the relevant authorities not to take any further action against the petitioners, while also asking them to submit the inquiry report before the court.

This case highlights the importance of a fair and transparent legal process. In a nation built on the principles of justice and faith, it is imperative that all citizens, regardless of their standing, are treated equally under the law. The courts are the guardians of our Constitution, and their vigilance ensures that the rights of the oppressed are protected against the influence of the powerful.