Gangs barricade Korangi artery, loot stranded commuters as viral videos spark outrage over police failures
Kohat police on duty. Photo: Online (file)
KARACHI:
The Shah Faisal Colony bridge in Korangi has turned into a crime hotspot with armed thugs setting up a makeshift check post and robbing dozens of commuters at gunpoint on Saturday night
According to eyewitnesses, a gang of robbers barricaded the bridge, stopping traffic and causing panic among commuters. The road closure triggered a massive traffic jam which left 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 robbing motorists. Some victims were reportedly subjected to violence during the incident, while the robbers were said to be carrying automatic weapons.
Among those targeted was reportedly a family returning home from a wedding party.
Citizens expressed anger at what they described as the police’s inability to curb rising street crime, claiming such incidents had become routine on the bridge.
They claimed that the suspects, who are believed to be from nearby settlements, easily flee the scene after committing crimes.
The incident also drew strong criticism on social media, with netizens questioning the effectiveness of law enforcement in ensuring public safety in the metropolis.
Concerned citizens have urged the Sindh Chief Minister, Home Minister and Inspector General of Police to take immediate notice of the situation and ensure strict action against those involved.
Meanwhile, noticing the viral video of the brazen Shah Faisal brother robbery, Dr. Farrukh Ali in DIG East Zone police to initiate immediate action and tighten security in the area.
According to his spokesman, DIG instructed Dr. Farrukh 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 an important public artery in the metropolis, adding that additional police should be immediately deployed to prevent such incidents in the future, along with enhanced patrolling in and around the area.
The DIG further directed that indiscriminate action be taken against elements involved in disturbing law and order and stressed that the protection of life and property of the citizens must be ensured at all costs.
