The main accused in the alleged assault of University of Karachi professor Dr Arif Khan Saqi has secured bail, preventing police from arresting him while the investigation into the incident continues.
Police identified the accused as Kunain Shah, also reported as Kunain Ali Gohar Shah, who had previously been sought in connection with the case. Authorities said raids had been conducted to locate him, but following the bail order, police can no longer arrest him in the case at this stage.
The development comes after police arrested five other suspects in connection with the incident. Two security guards, identified as Gul Sher and Taj Muhammad, were arrested on Wednesday, while three employees of a nearby hotel had previously been taken into custody.
The case stems from an incident near Safoora Chowrangi in Karachi, where Dr Saqi, chairman of the University of Karachi’s Department of Islamic Learning, was travelling with his nephew Waheedur Rehman.
According to the FIR registered at Sachal Police Station, the confrontation began after a dispute involving damage to the vehicle in which the professor was travelling. The professor alleged that he and his nephew were subsequently assaulted with pistol butts.
The FIR further alleges that the pair were taken to a nearby hotel, where they were wrongfully confined and assaulted. Dr Saqi also alleged that aerial firing took place during the incident and that his nephew’s vehicle was taken before police arrived and rescued them.
Police registered the case under several charges, including attempted murder, wrongful confinement, rioting and other offences. Investigators have also been seeking CCTV footage as part of their inquiry.
Dr Saqi later identified Kunain Shah as one of the alleged attackers and sought legal action against him. The allegations contained in the FIR remain subject to investigation and judicial proceedings, and the granting of bail does not amount to either conviction or acquittal.
The incident has also drawn the attention of the Sindh government. Home Minister Ziaul Hassan Lanjar sought a detailed report from SSP East over the alleged assault and confinement of the professor, while authorities pledged action in accordance with the law.
With the principal accused now protected from arrest under the bail order and five other suspects already detained, the case is expected to move into its next legal phase as investigators continue gathering evidence and determining the roles of those allegedly involved.
