Court grants bail to accused as inquiry launched against SI Shehzan over altercation video; report sought in 3 days
The case involving an altercation between a police sub-inspector (SI) and a young man during snap checking in the upscale Defence area of the metropolis has taken a new turn, with the accused being released on bail while a departmental inquiry has been initiated against the police officer, Shehzan Shakeel.
The young man, seen arguing with police officials in a viral video, has been released after being granted bail by the judicial magistrate for District South against surety bonds of Rs50,000.
The accused, identified as Khubaib, son of a female police officer, was earlier arrested on charges including interference in official duties and alleged misbehaviour with a uniformed cop, SI Shehzan Shakeel. He appeared before the court along with his legal team comprising Osama Ali Gujjar, Faisal Sheikh and Waheed Sheikh Advocates.
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During the hearing, defence counsel 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 neither resisted police nor misbehaved.
He further stated that after the incident, the accused accompanied his parents to the police station, where a police officer reportedly admitted to an error, after which the matter was resolved through mutual understanding.
He also questioned the timing of the FIR, stating that it was lodged nine hours after the incident, raising concerns over its authenticity. He added that all charges in the case are bailable and the accused is willing to cooperate with the investigation fully.
According to police, however, the accused had an altercation with police personnel during snap checking and allegedly misbehaved with officials while interfering with official duty. A case was registered against him at the Defence police station.
Meanwhile, senior authorities have initiated a departmental inquiry into the conduct of SI Shehzan Shakeel, with SP Clifton Khalid Javed appointed as inquiry officer. He has been tasked with examining the viral video of the altercation, reviewing all available records, determining responsibility, and submitting a report within three days.
Initial reports suggest that orders for the suspension of SI Shehzan Shakeel were issued earlier but were later withdrawn, indicating internal pressure and differing positions within the police hierarchy.
Officials said that both sides have issued video statements blaming each other for the incident. While attempts are reportedly being made to settle the matter, the viral footage circulating on social and national media has brought the case under intense public scrutiny.
Authorities have directed that the inquiry be conducted transparently and impartially to establish facts and fix responsibility.
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The incident happened during snap checking in Phase VII between Thursday and Friday night, when police had stopped a double-cabin 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, the in-charge of the Qayyumabad police post.
In videos recorded from both sides, the situation quickly escalated. Police footage showed the officer accusing the young man of hurling abuses and grabbing his collar, while repeatedly warning him to remain respectful.
A separate clip, filmed by the driver, captured the officer retorting, “What was so special about being an SSP’s son? I am one too,” as tensions mounted.
Police later registered a case and arrested Khubaib on charges including obstruction of duty, impersonation and use of a fake number plate, along with allegations of misconduct and physical confrontation. Authorities said the vehicle had carried unauthorised police fittings, including tinted windows and official-style lights.
According to the first information report, the suspect had allegedly refused to identify himself, claimed his mother was a senior officer and directed armed guards accompanying him to push the officer aside. The complainant further alleged that, during an attempt to detain him, the suspect had grabbed his collar, used abusive language and fled the scene with his guards.
However, the suspect’s father, Ali Anwar, presented a sharply different account. Speaking to reporters, he claimed that after the incident, both he and his wife had visited the police station, where the officer in question had apologised. He said the family had cooperated fully and handed over the vehicle, but alleged that the situation had changed dramatically after the video went viral.
