Robbers loot Rs6.5m from Edhi Home in Karachi’s Sohrab Goth

KARACHI: Armed robbers looted Rs6.5 million from an Edhi Home in Karachi’s Sohrab Goth area on Friday after allegedly following staff members carrying cash withdrawn from a bank, police and the welfare organisation said.

According to the Edhi administration, the cash had been withdrawn earlier in the day to distribute salaries among employees, as Friday was payday.

Officials said that four armed suspects followed the staff to the Edhi Centre before carrying out the robbery.

The armed robbers fled with the entire amount after holding employees at gunpoint.

Employees told police that all four robbers were wearing helmets, making it difficult to identify them.

Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Central Dr Imran and a heavy police contingent reached the scene soon after the incident and launched an investigation.

Police said that they are collecting evidence, including CCTV footage from the surrounding area, to trace the suspects and determine the route they used to escape.

The Edhi Foundation suspected that a current or former employee may have been involved in the armed robbery.

Speaking to HUM English, Edhi Foundation member Saad Edhi said the robbers appeared to have precise knowledge of the centre’s operations and targeted the specific office where cash is normally kept.

“We suspect that either a current or former employee was involved in the incident,” Saad Edhi said.

He explained that the cash had just arrived at the centre and was about to be distributed among employees when the robbers struck.

“The robbers came directly to the office where the money is kept. As soon as the cash reaches our office, the salary distribution process begins within a short time,” he said.

Saad Edhi said the timing of the robbery suggested that the suspects were fully aware of the movement of cash and the internal procedures at the welfare organisation.

“It appears the robbers knew the entire situation. They arrived almost immediately after the money reached the office,” he added.

Police have launched an investigation into the incident to determine whether any insider facilitated the robbery.

The Sohrab Goth Edhi Home is one of the foundation’s largest facilities in Karachi and houses a major morgue serving the city.

The welfare organisation has also been targeted in the past. A major robbery was previously reported at the Edhi Home in Karachi’s Kharadar area.

Sindh CM seeks report on robbery

Meanwhile, Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah on Friday took notice of the armed robbery at the Edhi Home and sought a detailed report from the inspector general of police.

The chief minister directed police to trace those responsible for looting Rs6.5 million from the welfare centre.

“Edhi centre is a lifeline for the poor and the destitute,” Murad said, adding that a robbery at such an entity is “unacceptable.”

He also instructed the relevant authorities to establish immediate contact with the Edhi Foundation administration and ensure all possible assistance during the investigation.

The chief minister ordered police to conduct a thorough probe and bring the perpetrators to justice at the earliest.

He reiterated that protecting the liife and property of citizens remained the provincial government’s top priority.

He directed law enforcement agencies to expedite efforts to solve the case.

Sindh home minister orders swift arrest of robbers

Meanwhile, Sindh Home Minister Ziaul Hassan Lanjar on Friday took notice of the armed robbery at the Edhi Home and sought a detailed report from the additional inspector general of police, Karachi.

The home minister directed police to immediately arrest those involved in the robbery.

He instructed investigators to utilise modern investigative techniques and CCTV footage to identify and apprehend the suspects, while also ensuring the swift recovery of the stolen cash.

“Edhi Foundation is a highly respected charitable organisation dedicated to serving humanity,” Lanjar said, adding that those responsible for targeting such a welfare institution “deserve no leniency.”

The minister also directed the relevant police officers to immediately contact the Edhi Foundation administration to gather complete details of the incident and ensure close coordination during the investigation.

He ordered police to conduct a transparent and comprehensive probe from every angle and bring the perpetrators to justice.

Lanjar further called for enhanced security measures around charitable and social welfare organisations across the province, stressing that any negligence in protecting citizens and welfare institutions would not be tolerated.