Four suspected robbers killed in police encounter

A policeman and two passersby also injured in the gunfight in Malir

KARACHI:

Four suspected robbers were killed and another three persons, including a policeman and two passersby, were injured in an encounter with police in Saudabad, Malir, on Sunday. Police recovered weapons, cash, wallets, 32 mobile phones, and two motorcycles from the deceased.

According to the SHO of Saudabad police station, Mohammad Ali Niazi, a police patrol had been stationed in Shadman Town, Saudabad, following a sudden increase in street crimes in the area. On Sunday, four suspected armed robbers were trying to flee after snatching cell-phones from two citizens when police reached the scene.

The robbers opened fire at the police party, prompting police to return fire, resulting in the instant deaths of the four criminals. Policeman Hanif and two passersby, identified as Barir Abbas and Zahid Hussain, were also injured and immediately hospitalised.

After the encounter, Korangi SSP Hassan Sardar arrived in Saudabad. One of the passersby was shot in the shoulder and the other in the leg. Their condition is said to be stable. Two motorcycles stolen from Al Falah and Model Colony were recovered from the dead robbers.

SSP Sardar stated that the robbers killed in the encounter had been involved in criminal activities in various areas, including Korangi, Malir, and Quaidabad. Two citizens visited Saudabad police station and identified the deceased robbers and the valuables snatched from them.

SSP Sardar added that the CRO records of the dead criminals are being examined and more information about them will be forthcoming. He vowed that there was no place for criminals in Korangi district. "Anyone who fires upon citizens and police can expect a firm response," he said, adding that the offenders would face the consequences.

Local residents expressed relief at the elimination of the robbers. The injured police officers from the Saudabad police station and the passersby were transported to the hospital. Weapons, cash, wallets, 32 stolen mobile phones, and two motorcycles were seized from the robbers. The bodies of the robbers were taken to the Jinnah Hospital for post-mortem examination.

Published in The Express Tribune, October 30^th, 2023.