KARACHI: A 35-year-old domestic worker was injured in a suspected acid attack in the Upper Gizri area of Karachi’s Clifton, with an unidentified assailant allegedly fleeing the scene on foot.
Police said the woman, identified as Mumtaz, wife of Dehraj, was attacked near the staircase of an apartment building after finishing work at a flat and heading to a local charity food distribution point.
The woman sustained burn injuries and was taken to the Civil Burns Centre by Edhi ambulance for medical treatment.
Police Search for Suspect
According to SSP South Mazhar Ali, police recovered a bottle believed to have contained acid from near the apartment stairs and handed it over to the crime scene unit for forensic examination.
Police suspect the attacker may also have suffered burns during the incident. An eyewitness reportedly told investigators that the suspect fled on foot and had asked an elderly woman in the area for water.
The victim has given an initial statement to police, saying she does not know the attacker but would be able to identify him if she saw him again.
Investigators are attempting to obtain CCTV footage from the area to identify and arrest the suspect. The police are also examining other circumstances surrounding the attack.
Sindh Government Orders Investigation
Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah and Sindh Home Minister Zia-ul-Hassan Lanjar have taken notice of the incident and directed authorities to expedite the investigation.
The chief minister condemned the attack and instructed the Additional Inspector General of Karachi to ensure that the victim receives the best available medical treatment and that the suspect is arrested promptly.
The home minister sought an immediate and detailed report from SSP South and directed police to use all available resources to apprehend the suspect and bring him to justice.
Authorities have also been directed to investigate the motive and identify any other individuals who may be connected to the incident. The Sindh government said a zero-tolerance approach should be adopted toward serious crimes such as acid attacks.
The SSP South has been instructed to personally oversee the investigation and ensure that the victim and her family receive the necessary legal and administrative support.