Gang of 'alien marauders' busted

Police on Tuesday claimed to have arested four members of the notorious white sedan Afghan gang allegedly responsible for multiple high-profile house robberies in the city.

In a follow-up to a recent encounter in Sharifabad, where a bandit was killed after a chase, Taimuria police have now arrested the injured accomplices and other gang members. The successful raid was conducted based on technical intelligence and confidential information.

Investigations revealed that the arrested and slain bandits were Afghan nationals who periodically entered Karachi with the sole intention of committing crimes and going back home to Afghanistan with the loot.

SHO Taimuria Shahid Taj said, "it was September 28 when Taimuria police intercepted the white sedan Afghan gang upon their entry into the Central district, intending to commit a crime. The bandits fled, firing at police, who pursued them.

During the encounter in Sharifabad, one of the suspects, Khan Muhammad alias Mullah, was killed. The perpetrators left Mullah's body in the car and escaped with four injured accomplices."

The SHO reported that the four arrested members have been identified as Muhammad Hasan (who sustained injuries), Muhammad Khan, Dad Muhammad, and Anwar Ahmed. Police recovered three pistols, over a dozen mobile phones, wristwatches, cash, and various burglary tools from them.

During interrogation, the arrested robbers confessed to perpetrating multiple house robberies in upscale areas of the city. Investigations revealed that the gang would temporarily reside in Karachi's slums and suburbs, renting accommodations. They would then transport the stolen goods back to Afghanistan.

According to the SHO, the dacoit gang committed two high-profile burglaries in the city last month. On September 26, they targeted a bungalow in North Nazimabad Block-N, making off with Rs500,000 in cash, gold jewellery, and weapons.

Earlier, on September 19, they struck a house in Buffer Zone Sector 15A/5, fleeing with Rs500,000 in cash, Rs150,000 worth of prize bonds, mobile phones, and other valuable items.

The police have seized a white sedan, bearing registration number AVW602, which was allegedly used by the arrested bandits. Authorities are currently verifying the vehicle's records.

Further investigation has revealed that the arrested bandits have prior criminal records, having been arrested and jailed previously.