Law enforcement agencies nab 10 suspects

Those detained reportedly include banned sectarian group's members

KARACHI: Ten suspects, including two alleged members of Laskhar-e-Jhangvi, were apprehended by law enforcement agencies during targeted raids in various parts of the metropolis on Monday.

Two suspected militants were reportedly arrested during a raid by intelligence agencies in District Central. The suspects were shifted to an undisclosed location and were not handed over to the police. Police officials confirmed that the suspects belong to the banned sectarian outfit, Lashkar-e-Jhangvi, and were involved in targeted attacks on traffic police officials in the city. Nearly a dozen traffic cops lost their lives in targeted attacks across the city last year.

However, relevant police officials were unaware of the arrest of militants when asked to comment.

Meanwhile, the Special Investigation Unit (SIU) of the Karachi police claimed to have arrested two suspects allegedly involved in various cases of extortion. The suspects were identified as Amir Hussain and Asif Shah. They were nabbed during a raid in Korangi, said SIU chief SP Farooq Awan, adding that the suspects also recently attacked a garment factory owner in Korangi, identified as Noman Naqvi, after he reportedly refused to pay extortion sums. Cases against them were registered while further investigation is under way, he said further.

Similarly, the anti-car lifting cell (ACLC) arrested three suspected vehicle lifters during a raid in Korangi Industrial Area. ACLC chief SP Irfan Bahadur said the accused, identified as Mushtaq Ahmed, Kamil and Jahangir, were arrested during a raid at their hideout. Bahadur said the suspects were experts in stealing motorcycles and would lift motorcycles from parking areas in Korangi Industrial Area. The officer revealed that the suspects were involved in over 50 cases of motorcycle theft, adding that three motorcycles and a pistol were also recovered from their possession.

Separately, three suspected criminals were arrested during snap-checking in New Town. The suspects were identified as Junaid Asad, Tauqeer Tanvir and Mohsin. Weapons were also recovered from their possession. Police officials said the suspects were involved in various cases of street crimes, and that cases had been registered against them.

Published in The Express Tribune, February 9^th,  2016.