KARACHI: CCTV footage and the investigation into the killing of young police constable Abdul Wahab Farooq Khattak have raised questions over the circumstances surrounding his death during an operation against alleged drug peddlers in Karachi’s Shireen Jinnah Colony, with investigators reportedly uncovering links between a police officer, drug suspects and a political party.
Constable Wahab Farooq Khattak, 26, was killed on Saturday night during a police operation based on information about drug peddling in streets near Peoples House in Clifton’s Block 1.
According to the initial account, a police team in plain clothes reached the area on private motorcycles after receiving information that drug dealers were selling narcotics in large quantities.
Wahab had reportedly informed the police post in-charge that his informer would arrange the purchase of narcotics from the suspects in a sting operation. Two policemen were deployed as backup for the operation.
According to the investigation, a drug peddler identified as Zubair Gul arrived to deliver narcotics. As Wahab moved to apprehend him, the suspect opened fire and fled.
According to the footage and preliminary findings cited by police sources, alleged associates of the drug suspects, including a policeman, were present at a nearby office of a political party.
When gunfire was heard, those present reportedly came outside. Drug peddlers’ accomplice Policeman Sultan Mahmood of Nabi Bakhsh police station, allegedly drew his weapon.
The preliminary investigation reportedly indicates that Sultan Mahmood opened fire on Wahab and shot him dead.
CCTV footage allegedly shows the police officer firing shots, while Wahab was struck by a single bullet and fell to the ground.
Sources said more than a dozen people were allegedly present with Sultan Mahmood, including Waseem Gul, Shehzad Gul and Bilal Gul.
The investigation also alleges that the people accompanying the drug suspects had links to a political party, while the policeman accused of firing was allegedly associated with the drug peddlers.
According to the investigation, after Wahab was wounded, the suspects allegedly caught the informer, Usama, and subjected him to severe violence, accusing him of providing information to police about their activities.
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Police authorities said legal proceedings were under way following registration of a case.
