Court grants bail to accused as probe launched against SI Shehzan over video of altercation; report wanted in 3 days
The case of an altercation between a police sub-inspector (SI) and a young man during a quick check in the posh Defense area of the metropolis has taken a new turn with the accused being released on bail while a departmental inquiry has been initiated against police officer Shehzan Shakeel.
The young man, seen arguing with policemen in a viral video, was released after being granted bail by the Southern District Judicial Magistrate on a surety of Rs50,000.
The accused, identified as Khubaib, son of a policewoman, had earlier been arrested on charges of interference with official duties and alleged misconduct with a uniformed police officer, SI Shehzan Shakeel. He appeared in court with his legal team comprising Osama Ali Gujjar, Faisal Sheikh and Waheed Sheikh Advocates.
Read: SSP’s son detained after clash at DHA checkpoint in Karachi
During the hearing, defense attorney Gujar argued that the case was based on a false and fabricated story. He argued that the incident was the result of a misunderstanding and that the accused did not resist the police or behave badly.
He added that after the incident, the accused accompanied his parents to the police station, where a police officer allegedly admitted to having made a mistake, after which the matter was resolved by mutual agreement.
He also questioned the timing of the FIR, saying it was lodged nine hours after the incident, raising concerns over its authenticity. He added that all charges in the case were bailable and the accused was willing to fully cooperate with the investigation.
However, according to the police, the accused got into an altercation with police officers during a snap check and allegedly misbehaved with the officials while interfering with his official duties. A complaint was filed against him at the Defense police station.
Meanwhile, higher authorities have initiated a departmental inquiry into the conduct of SI Shehzan Shakeel, with SP Clifton Khalid Javed appointed as the investigating officer. He was tasked with reviewing the viral video of the altercation, reviewing all available records, determining responsibility and submitting a report within three days.
Initial reports suggest that orders to suspend SI Shehzan Shakeel were issued earlier but were later withdrawn, indicating internal pressures and divergent positions within the police hierarchy.
Officials said both sides released video statements blaming each other for the incident. While attempts are reportedly being made to settle the case, viral images circulating on social and national media have placed the matter under intense public scrutiny.
The authorities ordered that the investigation be conducted in a transparent and impartial manner in order to establish the facts and establish responsibilities.
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The incident took place during a snap check of Phase VII between Thursday and Friday evening, when the police had stopped a double-cab vehicle fitted with police-style lights and an allegedly fake number plate. What followed was a heated exchange between the driver – later identified as Khubaib, son of Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Naseem Ara Panhwar – and sub-inspector Shahzaib Shakeel, in-charge of Qayyumabad police station.
In videos recorded by both sides, the situation quickly escalated. Police footage shows the officer accusing the young man of swearing and grabbing his collar, while repeatedly warning him to remain respectful.
Another clip, filmed by the driver, shows the officer replying: “What was so special about being the son of an SSP? I’m one too”, as tensions rose.
Police later registered a complaint and arrested Khubaib for obstructing duty, impersonation and using a fake number plate, along with allegations of misconduct and physical confrontation. Authorities said the vehicle was carrying unauthorized police equipment, including tinted windows and official-style headlights.
According to the first information report, the suspect refused to identify himself, claimed his mother was a superior officer and ordered the armed guards who accompanied him to push the officer away. The complainant further alleged that while attempting to detain him, the suspect grabbed his collar, used abusive language and fled the scene with his guards.
However, the suspect’s father, Ali Anwar, presented a very different account. Speaking to reporters, he said that after the incident, he and his wife went to the police station, where the officer in question apologized. He said the family cooperated fully and handed over the vehicle, but claimed the situation changed drastically after the video went viral.
