Snap shot of video footage of the firing incident in Karachi.

KARACHI: A young man was gunned down by Rangers on Wednesday evening in an alleged ‘encounter’ that appeared to be killing from firing at point-blank range in a footage released hours after the incident.

A spokesman for the Sindh Rangers said the 25-year-old Sarfaraz Shah was killed after an encounter with Rangers personnel deployed outside the Benazir Shaheed Park in the city’s Boat Basin area after he was ‘caught red-handed’ while snatching cash and valuables from visitors.

“A man approached the Rangers personnel deputed outside Benazir Shaheed Park with a complaint against a young bandit inside the park,” said the spokesman for the Sindh Rangers. “The Rangers officials went inside the park and spotted the youngster who fired at them. The return fire from the Rangers killed the bandit.”

The Sindh Rangers spokesman, however, did not give any details about arms and valuables recovered from the alleged bandit.

But, hours after the incident, family members, neighbours and relatives demonstrated outside the Chief Minister’s House carrying the body of Sarfaraz. They accused the Rangers of faking the encounter and called for registration of an FIR against the officials involved in the firing.

Their allegation appeared to be correct when footages aired on news channels showed the unarmed youngster had been shot from a very close range by one of six Rangers personnel gathered around him. The footages showed Sarfaraz, younger brother of a local journalist, pleading for mercy.

After the video footages broadcast by the news channels, the Sindh Rangers spokesman said an inquiry had been ordered.

Opinion

Editorial

Military option
Updated 21 Nov, 2024

Military option

While restoring peace is essential, addressing Balochistan’s socioeconomic deprivation is equally important.
HIV/AIDS disaster
21 Nov, 2024

HIV/AIDS disaster

A TORTUROUS sense of déjà vu is attached to the latest health fiasco at Multan’s Nishtar Hospital. The largest...
Dubious pardon
21 Nov, 2024

Dubious pardon

IT is disturbing how a crime as grave as custodial death has culminated in an out-of-court ‘settlement’. The...
Islamabad protest
Updated 20 Nov, 2024

Islamabad protest

As Nov 24 draws nearer, both the PTI and the Islamabad administration must remain wary and keep within the limits of reason and the law.
PIA uncertainty
20 Nov, 2024

PIA uncertainty

THE failed attempt to privatise the national flag carrier late last month has led to a fierce debate around the...
T20 disappointment
20 Nov, 2024

T20 disappointment

AFTER experiencing the historic high of the One-day International series triumph against Australia, Pakistan came...