A young man who was assaulted in Karachi’s Defence area has told a court in the metropolis city that he does not wish to pursue the case and has forgiven the accused.
However despite the pardon, Salman Farooqi, CEO of a local prodcution house who is the prime suspect in the case, was refused bail.
The incident, which drew public attention after footage of the youth being physically attacked began circulating widely on social media, had prompted authorities to take action.
The victim, identified as Dhanraj, appeared before a South Karachi judicial magistrate on Thursday and made a brief statement.
“I was not aware that I had been summoned by the court,” Dhanraj told the magistrate. “My lawyer informed me today, so I came.”
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The magistrate inquired if Dhanraj was under any pressure or coercion regarding the case.
“No, I’m not under any kind of pressure,” he responded. “I do not wish to file any case. I have forgiven the accused.”
Dhanraj further stated that he had no objections to any decision the court may make in the matter.
The main accused was caught on camera manhandling the victim as his employees assaulted the biker after a minor collision on May 31.
Farooqi’s armed guard and driver allegedly detained the victim at gunpoint, forcing him into a vehicle where he was beaten.
The motorcyclist had been picking up his sister, Kalpana, who reportedly worked at a nearby beauty parlour. The assault occurred as they prepared to leave together.
The video of the assault, which also showed the victim’s sister being pushed away as she pleaded for an apology, triggered outrage on social media.
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On Monday, Farooqi the disgraced suspect was apprehended following raids at his residence and office. The guard and driver had also been taken into custody, and police impounded the vehicle involved in the assault.
An FIR was registered at Gizri Police Station, despite the victim not filing a formal complaint. The report was lodged based on the testimony of eyewitness Muhammad Saleem.
The case, registered under FIR No. 25/278, included charges of criminal intimidation, assault, unlawful confinement, and use of obscene language under Sections 506B, 354, 342, and 504/34 of the Pakistan Penal Code.
