Five robbers killed in dawn shootout

Suspects found to be of Afghan origin, say top police officials

KARACHI:

In an incident that unfolded within North Karachi's Sector 11B, the Sir Syed Police force shot dead five robbers, while two suspects managed to evade capture. Notably, all five deceased robbers were identified as Afghan nationals.

Sub-Inspector Shahid Taj of the SHO Sir Syed Police Station provided details to The Express Tribune, revealing that the police received a distress call via Madadgar 15 regarding the presence of robbers in 11B Bungalow No. 274. Responding promptly, a team of officers, accompanied by Sub-Inspector Taj, arrived at the scene and meticulously cordoned off the area, emphasising the targeted house.

As the officers initiated their approach, the situation escalated into a fierce exchange of gunfire as the robbers attempted to flee.

Sub-Inspector Taj and his team entered the bungalow by scaling its wall. In a decisive move, Inspector Taj responded to voices indicating the presence of two robbers in an adjacent street.

Targets neutralised

Utilising the wall as cover, he opened fire, resulting in the elimination of two suspects. Simultaneously, three other robbers sought refuge on a neighbouring rooftop, from which they jumped into an adjacent bungalow. The pursuit continued with Madadgar 15 personnel relentlessly pursuing the robbers across rooftops. This engagement concluded with successfully neutralising two more robbers on the rooftop of a third bungalow.

Meanwhile, the fifth suspect found his way into a residence on a back street, where the local police stationed at the Sir Syed police station were already present. Confronted by the police, this individual met his demise due to their retaliatory fire. It is suspected, however, that one of the robbers may have managed to evade capture. The police's meticulous efforts bore fruit with the recovery of three 9mm pistols and a bag containing tools typically employed for cutting grills-a clear indication of the robbers' criminal intentions.

Victims speak out

Anwar-Ul-Hasan, the owner of the targeted bungalow, recounted a harrowing account of the events that transpired in his brother's residence. Six robbers forcibly entered the premises by tampering with grills and locks. Their brutal intrusion led to the physical assault and restraint of family members, including his brother, sister-in-law, children, father, and mother. The robbers pilfered cash, gold ornaments, and other valuable belongings, consolidating their loot in a sheet.

Amidst the chaos, the victims' cries for help resonated through the neighbourhood, prompting alert neighbours to contact Madadgar 15. Concerns arose regarding the potential presence of additional accomplices in the vicinity. Despite this, the would-be accomplices refrained from intervening due to the presence of the police, opting to blend in with the local population instead. To unravel the full extent of the criminal network, authorities turned to CCTV footage from neighbouring properties, which may hold vital clues in identifying more suspects.

White Corolla Gang connection

DIG West Zone Fida Hussain Mastoi inspected the crime scene and engaged with the media, disclosing that the deceased suspects were affiliated with the notorious White Corolla Gang, alternatively recognised as the Afghan Dacoit Gang. Notably, police recovered a toolkit commonly utilised for breaking iron grills and locks, implicating the suspects in various robbery cases. Mastoi praised the police force's strategic approach, which led to eliminating the suspects without any harm befalling innocent civilians.

CCTV footage unveils escape

A captivating element emerged from CCTV footage, highlighting the unfolding events. One of the suspects managed to evade capture for approximately six hours by seeking refuge within a water tank in the targeted residence. As the chaos of the encounter unfolded above, he remained concealed within the tank, even after the gunfire ceased. Eventually emerging from his underground hiding spot, the suspect attempted to take a young boy hostage but was thwarted as the child fled in tears. With his efforts foiled, the suspect retreated, as captured on CCTV footage. He was seen in the footage walking away from the alley.

 

Published in The Express Tribune, August 17^th, 2023.