KARACHI: A Rickshaw driver who had attempted self-immolation in a protest against alleged extortion by traffic police officers succumbed to his injuries on Sunday night.
The rickshaw driver was admitted to the Burns Centre of Dr Ruth Pfau Civil Hospital for treatment.
The deceased, identified as Khalid, died at 3am, the hospital’s management said, adding that the body has been handed over to the bereaved family.
Earlier on Sunday, Additional Inspector General Police (IGP) Dr Amir Ahmed Shaikh had reached burns ward of Civil hospital to pay a visit to the rickshaw driver.
Dr Amir Ahmed Shaikh had said he tried to provide financial assistance to help the victim, but the man and his family refused to take any money.
The rickshaw driver’s brother spoke to the media about the incident and had said, “Khalid was occupied with the preparations for his marriage and he is a man who has never been involved in any brawl with anyone before.”
On Saturday, Shahid sprinkled oil on his body and set himself alight near the city police office in Saddar.
Sindh IGP Dr Syed Kaleem Imam took notice of the incident and ordered the DIG traffic to carry out an inquiry into the matter and submit a report to him.
In his statement being shared on social media, Shahid had alleged “ASI Mohammed Hanif had been extracting Rs100 from him on a daily basis. I gave the policeman Rs50 on Saturday, but he insisted on Rs100 and on refusal the ASI handed me a challan.”
