Gang of muggers terrorises Mehran Town

Chalawa Gang robbed 20 people at local dhaba late Sunday night

KARACHI:

Mehran Town in Korangi district has become a notorious hotspot for street criminals, where the dreaded Chalawa gang mugged approximately 20 people at a local dhaba [tea shop] late on Sunday night.

The criminals took several citizens hostage and unleashed indiscriminate gunfire. The surveillance footage of the incident has emerged, offering a grim glimpse into the gang's activities in the area.

The victims have reported that the gang not only targeted the dhaba but also victimised three passersby in a car passing through the area and subjected them to severe violence.

The criminals existing in the area are also known for their entrance via a rugged pathway near the river, where they block traffic and rob the commuters and use the same river-side passage to make their getaway soon after the crime.

Shockingly, dozens of residents have fallen prey to such incidents in Korangi in just the last month, but police have failed to catch them. Moreover, concerns have been raised about the police response time, as they often arrive hours after an incident has occurred.

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Although cases are registered, the police have yet to achieve a breakthrough in their efforts to apprehend the culprits. It is also reported that the Chalawa gang had been active in Mehran Town two years ago and has regrouped recently after release of its key figures from jail on bail.

Concerned citizens are calling upon the chief minister, IG Sindh, and other authorities to address this pressing issue.

Published in The Express Tribune, September 26^th, 2023.