SUKKUR: Conflicting accounts from Sukkur Police and the family of an injured suspect have raised questions over a recent alleged police encounter, prompting calls for an independent investigation into the incident.
According to Sukkur Police, Shahryar alias Sheri Bandhani was arrested in an injured condition following a police encounter on the previous night. Police stated that the suspect was wanted in multiple serious criminal cases and was taken into custody during the operation. Authorities said legal proceedings in the case are continuing.
However, the suspect’s family has strongly disputed the police version of events.
On Thursday, a group of women from New Goth staged a protest outside the Sukkur Press Club, rejecting the police’s account. The protesters alleged that Shahryar alias Sheri Bandhani and another man identified as Mehrab had already been taken into police custody two days before the reported encounter.
According to the protesters, if the two men were already in custody, the claim that Shahryar was arrested during a police encounter is inconsistent with the facts. These allegations are those of the protesters and have not been independently verified.
The demonstrators also expressed concern for the safety of Mehrab, alleging that he could also be presented in connection with a similar alleged police encounter. They demanded that he be produced before a court without delay, that his safety be ensured, and that the entire incident be investigated through an impartial, transparent, and high-level inquiry.
The protesters further appealed to senior government officials, the judiciary, and relevant human rights institutions to take immediate notice of the matter and ensure that justice is served. They urged the authorities to take legal action against any party found to have violated the law following a fair investigation.
Meanwhile, Sukkur Police have maintained their original position that Shahryar alias Sheri Bandhani was a wanted suspect who was apprehended after an exchange of fire with police.
At the time of reporting, Sukkur Police had not issued a formal response to the family’s specific allegation that Shahryar and Mehrab had already been in custody for two days before the reported encounter.
With the police and the family presenting sharply different versions of the incident, the case has become increasingly sensitive. Local civil society members and residents have emphasized that only a transparent and independent investigation can establish the facts, uphold the rule of law, and maintain public confidence in law enforcement institutions.
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