Karachi Police arrest serial child rapist in Qayyumabad, recover hundreds of abuse videos

In a chilling case of serial sexual abuse, Karachi police have arrested a fruit vendor accused of raping more than 100 minors over the past decade in Qayyumabad. The suspect, identified as Shabbir Ahmed, is a member of a gang of child abusers. 

He allegedly lured children to his room with small payments, where he filmed the assaults on his mobile phone.

DIG South Syed Asad Raza confirmed that Shabbir was caught by residents near Osmania Mosque in C-Area, Qayyumabad, before being handed over to police. The locals, who accused him of harassing children in the neighborhood, had begun assaulting him when officers intervened.

According to investigators, the suspect admitted during interrogation to sexually abusing boys and girls between the ages of 7 and 12. Police recovered his mobile phone and a USB drive containing hundreds of explicit videos recorded over the years. These files have been sent for forensic examination.

The DIG South also expressed surprise that such a grave crime could continue to take place for years without being reported to authorities. The matter only came to light when one of the victims managed to take the USB from Shabbir.

When the victim went to a computer shop to download music, the shopkeeper discovered explicit content on the drive and alerted residents of the area. 

Read: School sweeper arrested for molesting minor in Karachi

The Defence Police have so far registered three FIRs under Section 376 of the Pakistan Penal Code, based on complaints from parents of victims. Officials said more cases are likely as the investigation widens.

Shabbir, originally from Abbottabad, had been living alone in Karachi for the past 10 years. 

A resident of Qayyumabad said they had repeatedly urged the landlord not to rent a room to a single man, but their concerns were ignored. The accused allegedly brought minor girls to his room under the pretense of being his relatives’ daughters.

Several people have come forward to register complaints about assault with their minor sisters and daughters.

Medical examinations of the victims are being arranged. Officials said the matter is highly sensitive, and the investigation is still underway.