Gangs block Korangi artery, loot stranded travelers as viral videos spark outrage over police failure
Kohat police on duty. Photo: Online (archive)
KARACHI:
The Shah Faisal Colony Bridge in Korangi has become a crime hotspot, with armed robbers setting up a makeshift checkpoint and looting scores of travelers at gunpoint on Saturday night.
According to eyewitnesses, a gang of robbers blocked the bridge, stopping traffic and causing panic among travelers. The road blockade caused a huge traffic jam, leaving long queues of vehicles stranded for hours.
Videos of the incident, which went viral on social media, showed armed robbers operating in groups, blocking the road with obstacles and systematically looting motorists. Some victims were allegedly subjected to violence during the incident, while the robbers were said to be carrying automatic weapons.
The targets reportedly included a family returning home after a wedding ceremony.
Citizens expressed anger at what they described as a failure of the police to curb the rise in street crime, stating that such incidents had become routine on the bridge.
They allege that the suspects, believed to be from nearby settlements, easily flee the scene after committing crimes.
The incident also generated strong criticism on social networks, where Internet users questioned the effectiveness of law enforcement in ensuring public safety in the metropolis.
The affected citizens have urged the Sindh Chief Minister, Home Minister and Inspector General of Police to immediately take note of the situation and ensure strict action against those involved.
Meanwhile, taking notice of the viral video of the brazen robbery at Shah Faisal Bridge, DIG East Zone Dr Farrukh Ali directed the police to initiate immediate action and beef up security in the area.
According to his spokesperson, DIG Dr Farrukh directed SSP Korangi and SSP Malir to conduct a thorough investigation into the incident and register a case against those involved.
He stated that the Shah Faisal Bridge is a key public artery of the metropolitan city and added that additional police should be deployed immediately to prevent such incidents in the future, along with increased patrolling in and around the area.
The DIG further ordered that indiscriminate action be taken against elements involved in disturbing law and order, stressing that protection of life and property of citizens must be ensured at all costs.
