'Wanted extortionist, murderer' held after 17 years

Suspect killed three people in provincial capital

LAHORE:

The Lahore police claimed to have apprehended a long-sought extortionist and murderer, Raja Gujjar, after evading authorities for 17 years.

Gujjar was involved in the killings of three individuals across different areas of Lahore and had subsequently fled to Karachi, where he assumed a new identity and worked as a security guard using a fake CNIC.

Sub-Inspector Tehsin Gillani of the Harbanspura Police Station revealed that the accused had initially committed murder two decades ago in the Kot Lakhpat area, killing a citizen with an axe. Although he was arrested and imprisoned, he managed to reach a settlement with the plaintiff and left Kot Lakhpat as part of the agreement.

Gujjar later relocated to Baghbanpura, where he formed an association with Arshad Pahlwan and the duo began extortion activities.

The situation escalated when Gujjar killed the brother of a police officer and was incarcerated once more. However, Pahlwan arranged a reconciliation with the victim's family, resulting in Gujjar's release. Following his release, Gujjar betrayed his associate by killing him in Harbanspura in 2007 and fled Lahore.

For nearly two decades, the accused evaded detection in Karachi, disguising himself and securing employment as a security guard under a false identity.

Recently, Gujjar began issuing threats to Pahlwan's family, prompting them to report the matter to the police.

DIG Operations Muhammad Faisal Kamran tasked SP Cantt Division Awais Shafiq with apprehending the fugitive.

A special team, including Sub-Inspector Tehsin Gillani and SHO Harbanspura Asim Hameed, was formed to conduct the operation.

SHO Asim Hameed confirmed that Gujjar had used false documentation to mask his identity while working for a private security firm for 17 years.