KARACHI (Web Desk) – A 28-year-old doctor was shot dead during a robbery-related exchange of fire outside a bank near Teen Talwar in Karachi on Monday, prompting police to launch a detailed investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident.
The victim, identified as Dr. Akash, was travelling with his father and cousin after withdrawing a large amount of cash from a bank. According to police, the family was on its way to another nearby bank when armed suspects targeted their vehicle.
Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) South Mahzoor Ali said the incident occurred when the family’s car stopped outside the second bank. Moments later, armed men approached the vehicle from behind in an apparent robbery attempt.
Police said the bank’s security guard, believing the occupants of the vehicle were criminals, opened fire. The armed suspects also returned fire, triggering a brief but intense exchange of gunfire outside the bank.
During the crossfire, Dr. Akash suffered a fatal gunshot wound. He was rushed to a nearby hospital but could not survive his injuries.
Investigators said the vehicle was carrying two separate cash packets, each containing Rs2.5 million. During the incident, the robbers allegedly managed to seize one packet before escaping from the scene.
Police immediately reached the area, secured the crime scene and began collecting evidence, including spent bullet casings, CCTV footage and eyewitness statements.
SSP Mahzoor Ali said investigators are examining all available evidence to determine whether the fatal bullet that struck the doctor was fired by one of the robbers or accidentally by the bank’s security guard.
Ballistic experts have been assigned to examine the recovered bullets and weapons involved in the shooting. Authorities believe forensic analysis will play a key role in establishing responsibility for the fatal shot.
The body of the deceased doctor was shifted to Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Centre for legal formalities and a postmortem examination.
Family members expressed deep grief over the incident and demanded the immediate arrest of those responsible. They warned that they would stage a sit-in with the body if police failed to apprehend the suspects.
Speaking to reporters, the victim’s uncle, Khem Chand, said the firing erupted outside the bank without warning and claimed his nephew became an innocent victim of the violence.
He described Dr. Akash as a dedicated medical professional who had been serving patients at Jinnah Hospital for the past two years. According to relatives, he was respected by colleagues and committed to treating patients with compassion.
The tragic incident has renewed concerns over rising street crime and robberies involving large cash withdrawals in Karachi. Citizens have repeatedly urged authorities to strengthen security around banks and commercial areas, particularly during business hours when customers often carry significant amounts of cash.
Police officials said investigators are reviewing surveillance footage from nearby banks, commercial buildings and Safe City cameras to trace the escape route of the suspects. They are also examining whether the robbers had prior information about the family’s movements.
Law enforcement authorities have formed investigation teams to identify and arrest those involved in the robbery. Officials said raids are being planned based on intelligence gathered from CCTV recordings, witness accounts and technical evidence.
Police also intend to question the bank’s security guard as part of the investigation to determine the sequence of events that led to the exchange of gunfire.
Officials urged the public to avoid carrying large amounts of cash without security arrangements whenever possible and encouraged citizens to immediately report suspicious activity around banks.
The investigation remains underway as police work to identify the robbers, recover the stolen money and determine the exact circumstances that resulted in the young doctor’s death. Authorities have assured the victim’s family that every effort will be made to bring those responsible to justice and complete the investigation at the earliest opportunity.
