Crackdown: Five Afghan refugees arrested in city

18 suspects nabbed, 3,400 houses searched in Nowshera.

PESHAWAR: At least five Afghan refugees were arrested in a joint operation conducted by the security forces and police near Army Public School (APS) on Wednesday. The raid was carried out as part of security measures ahead of the first anniversary of the APS attack on December 16.

While talking to The Express Tribune, SSP Operations Dr Mian Saeed said, “The raid was conducted by the security forces and police in the area; the arrested refugees were residing in the city without any registration.” He said, “More operations will be carried out across the district in connection with the anniversary of the APS attack.” The police official added, “Dozens of suspects have been nabbed who are being interrogated at local police stations.”

Nowshera

The army and police launched a search operation early Wednesday in different areas of Nowshera Cantonment. Heavy contingents of army personnel and police raided Ganderi, Tutkei and Sess Mandi villages and their surrounding areas around 5am. At least 3,400 houses were checked and 18 suspects arrested. Officers also confiscated four pistols and three rifles.

In another development, the police reportedly arrested two dacoits involved in several robberies in Azakhel
in Nowshera.

Nowshera DPO Wahid Mehmood, DSP Adnan Azam Khan and SHO Hafeezur Rehman launched a search in the area and arrested two alleged bandits identified as Abdul Wahid and Meraj. The police also seized a motorbike, three LCD TVs, a washing machine, four blankets, three stabilizers, a UPS and other valuables. Weapons were also recovered from
their possession.

Published in The Express Tribune, December 10^th,  2015.