KARACHI: Police have arrested two more suspects in connection with the alleged assault and detention of University of Karachi’s Department of Islamic Learning Chairman, Professor Dr Arif Khan Saqi, bringing the total number of arrests in the case to five.
The newly arrested suspects have been identified as security guards Gul Sher and Taj Muhammad. Police had earlier arrested three employees of Sindh Green Restaurant — Shaukat Ali, Imran Ali and Ghulam Umar — in connection with the incident.
The alleged assault took place near Safoora Chowrangi after a minor traffic collision reportedly escalated into a confrontation. According to the police case, Professor Saqi was travelling towards Karachi University with his nephew when an argument broke out following the vehicle incident.
The suspects allegedly assaulted the professor and his nephew with pistol butts before taking them inside a nearby restaurant, where they were allegedly held against their will. Both victims reportedly sustained injuries during the incident.
A case was registered at Sachal Police Station under sections including attempted murder, wrongful confinement and rioting. Police have also been collecting CCTV footage as part of the investigation.
The main suspect, identified as Konain Ali Gohar Shah, has not yet been arrested. Police said raids were continuing to apprehend the remaining suspects.
Meanwhile, teachers and students at Karachi University staged a protest demanding justice for Professor Saqi and strict action against those allegedly involved in the assault. Sindh Home Minister Ziaul Hassan Lanjar has also sought a report from senior police officials regarding the incident and investigation.
