DHA Assault Inquiry Finds SSP Korangi, Officers Negligent

KARACHI: A departmental inquiry into a viral assault incident in Karachi’s Defence Housing Authority has found Korangi SSP Fida Janwari and other police officials negligent, recommending legal and departmental proceedings over their handling of the confrontation. The report, submitted to the additional inspector general of police on Friday, marks a major development in a case that drew widespread attention after CCTV footage of the violence circulated on social media.

The inquiry examined an altercation involving residents of an apartment building in DHA’s Khayaban-e-Bukhari area. Video footage showed a woman carrying a dumbbell confronting and striking another woman while police personnel were present at the scene. The footage also appeared to show officers restraining the woman being attacked rather than stopping the alleged aggressor, while another individual was seen damaging a CCTV camera.

According to the inquiry findings reported by Pakistani media, the confrontation originated from a parking dispute involving relatives of the Korangi SSP and another resident of the building. Investigators reviewed CCTV and mobile-phone footage, documentary records and statements from people connected with the incident. The inquiry concluded that the police response raised serious questions about impartiality, supervision and the conduct of personnel deployed during the confrontation.

The report recommended action against SSP Fida Janwari under the Civil Servants Efficiency and Discipline framework over administrative negligence and lack of proper supervision. It also recommended proceedings against police officials associated with the handling and investigation of the case, including Darakhshan SHO Rashid Ali, investigating officer Imran and police mobile officer Aftab Mangi. Separate findings examined the conduct of constables visible in the footage and their alleged role during the confrontation.

Another significant recommendation concerns the criminal case originally registered against the affected family. The inquiry found that allegations contained in that FIR were not supported by its findings and recommended that the case be disposed of in accordance with the law, with reports also indicating that it should be classified as a B-class case. Investigators instead recommended that the affected family be permitted to pursue a fresh complaint against individuals allegedly involved in the assault.

The committee also recommended legal action against two women and a man seen in footage of the confrontation, who were reported to be relatives of the Korangi SSP. The inquiry further criticised the conduct of police personnel accused of favouring one side and said departmental proceedings should be initiated where misconduct or negligence had been established. South DIG Asad Raza said the investigation had been conducted transparently and that the report had been forwarded to the additional IG for further action.

The controversy gained national attention after the CCTV video spread rapidly online, prompting public questions about police accountability and the treatment of citizens when relatives of senior officials are involved in disputes. The Sindh High Court has also directed police to ensure protection for the affected family. The inquiry’s findings have therefore moved the issue beyond the original neighbourhood altercation and placed greater scrutiny on internal police oversight and the use of official personnel in private disputes.

The additional inspector general will now consider the inquiry’s recommendations and determine what disciplinary and legal measures should follow. Further action could include departmental proceedings against officers, disposal of the original FIR and registration of a new case based on the affected family’s complaint. The case is expected to remain closely watched because the incident was documented on video and has become a prominent test of accountability within Karachi’s police structure.