30 suspects arrested over killing of Samaa TV’s cameraman

KARACHI: Police arrested 30 suspects during raids in different areas of Karachi after the assistant camera person of Samaa TV channel was shot dead Sunday night. 

Unidentified assailants opened fire on Samaa TV channel’s Digital Satellite News Gathering (DSNG) van on Sunday near KDA Chowrangi.

In the attack, 22-year-old assistant camera person, identified as Taimur, was killed. He was in the vehicle at the time of the incident.

Sources said armed attackers on motorcycles opened fire on the van from behind.

Taimur was initially injured in the attack, however, he later succumbed to his injuries. According to MLO Abbasi Shaheed Hospital, one bullet hit Taimur's neck.

Police reached the site of the attack and began investigation.

According to the police, a 9MM pistol was used in the attack and a shell was recovered from the site.

SSP Central said geofencing of the area has been done.

In a separate incident earlier, a cracker attack took place on an armoured police vehicle near Five Star Chowrangi. No loss of life was reported in the incident.

PM condemns attack

Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif extended his condolences to Taimur’s family.

The PM condemned the firing incident. He called the incident an attack on freedom of expression.

The federal government will extend every possible form of cooperation to the provincial government to catch culprits, he said.

In a twitter message ISPR chief Major General Asif Ghafoor condemned the murder.

Killing of #SAMAA assistant cameraman Taimoor Khan is a sad incident. Share the grief of Media, SAMAA and Taimoor's family.

— Maj Gen Asif Ghafoor (@OfficialDGISPR) February 13, 2017