A minor girl who was among the 16 people injured when a speeding Suzuki vehicle crashed into an Imambargah in Defence Phase VI has succumbed to her injuries during treatment. The investigation has been handed over to the Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD).
Incident Details
According to police, the incident occurred on Sunday night at Imambargah Baqiatullah in Defence Phase VI within the jurisdiction of Darakhshan Police Station. A speeding Suzuki reportedly went out of control and ploughed into the women's section during a religious gathering, injuring 16 participants. One of the injured victims, identified as Zainera, daughter of Akram, died at a hospital while undergoing treatment.
Legal Proceedings
Police have registered an FIR at Darakhshan Police Station under Sections 324, 337-G, 279, 427, 109, and 34 of the Pakistan Penal Code, along with provisions of the Anti-Terrorism Act. The complainant alleged in the FIR that the incident was not accidental but a deliberate act and a rehearsal for a larger terrorist attack.
Police Preliminary Findings
However, DIG South Asad Raza said preliminary findings suggest that the incident appears to be an accident rather than an act of terrorism. He added that medical examinations of the occupants of the Suzuki vehicle had been conducted to determine whether they were under the influence of intoxicants at the time of the incident. According to police, the individuals travelling in the vehicle are residents of the Qati Pahari area near Orangi Town.
Technical Investigation
Investigators initially suspected that the vehicle's brakes had failed, but officials said a final conclusion would only be reached after the Traffic Police Road Analysis Unit submits its technical report. DIG South Asad Raza confirmed that the case has been transferred to the Counter-Terrorism Department, which has initiated an investigation into all aspects of the incident, including the possibility of terrorism.
