Suspects looting people in police uniform held

Two members of Rashid Kashmiri Gang caught after shootout

KARACHI:

Two members of a notorious gang of robbers were arrested after a dramatic encounter on Friday. The suspects, who belong to Rashid Kashmiri Gang, had a history of impersonating police officers to gain access to homes for committing robberies, according to the Bilal Colony police.

As per police account, the two robbers, Abid and Sabir, were initially spotted roaming on a bike in Bilal Colony apparently planning a robbery. When police signaled for them to stop, the suspects opened fire. Police returned fire, injuring both of them before taking them into custody.

Israr Afridi, SHO of Bilal Colony police station, said that the suspects are believed to have been involved in several robberies in different neighbourhoods of the metropolis, particularly in District Central and District West. In these robberies, the suspects would pose as police officers, gaining the trust of homeowners before holding them at gunpoint and robbing them. They were known for targeting homes with open gates or doors and often resorted to violence.

The Rashid Kashmiri Gang has been operating in Karachi since 2012, and the suspects have a long criminal history, including involvement in kidnapping for ransom, attempted murder, and robberies. Police records show that more than four of their accomplices have been killed in police encounters in the past. The two arrested suspects were previously imprisoned for serious crimes but continued their criminal activities upon release.

A motorcycle, stolen from the remits of Sir Syed police station, was recovered from the suspects' possession. Police have registered multiple cases against Abid and Sabir, and investigations are ongoing.