Nine days on, family’s sit-in to demand arrest of teen’s killers continues in Karachi

KARACHI: After the murder of 17-year-old Rosham Hussain nine days ago, his family has not yet buried him as they refuse to offer funeral prayers or lay him to rest until his killers are arrested. Alongside Rosham's friends, acquaintances, and many locals, the family has been holding a sit-in outside the Manghopir police station, demanding the arrest of the individuals responsible for his killing.

On September 8, six robbers, two of whom allegedly wore police uniforms, entered Rohedad Hussain's home in Manghopir and shot his son when he emerged from his room. The incident has caused shockwaves and sadness throughout the neighborhood.

The protesters have been demonstrating outside the police station, with banners demanding the arrest of Rosham's killers and family members holding placards. They chant in unison for accountability, following the belief that Islam teaches them to support the oppressed against the oppressor and seek justice. Rosham's father, who arrived at the protest camp, was embraced and consoled by the supporters, breaking the moment of silence that had fallen over the gathering. He emphasized that his sole demand is the arrest and punishment of the killers.

The protesters question why the suspects have not been arrested if the investigation has been ongoing for several days. They ask if the suspects are so cunning and powerful that they've evaded the police. Rosham's father, despite his emotional state, speaks with determination, stating that his only wish is for justice for his innocent son.

He laments that neither the Home Minister nor the Chief Minister has come to offer their condolences or support at the protest site. The protesters' uncle questions the lack of progress in the investigation, given the presence of multiple mobile phones at the scene and the potential for identification through the registered SIM numbers.