Multiple armed robberies spark panic in Khanewal

KHANEWAL:

A series of armed robberies in Khanewal and its surrounding areas has spread fear among residents after seven gunmen stormed four houses and looted valuables worth millions of rupees.

The incident occurred in Haji Pur, Khoh Ismail Wala, within the jurisdiction of Saddar Kabirwala police station, located on the Khanewal-Multan Road just a few furlongs from a police check-post and a 24-hour picket.

Despite the close proximity to law enforcement, the armed suspects allegedly entered the homes of Aslam Qasai, Muhammad Ashraf, Nasir Bhatti and Allah Rakha.

The robbers reportedly held family members hostage at gunpoint and looted cash amounting to hundreds of thousands of rupees, multiple mobile phones and gold jewellery worth millions.

The assailants were said to be armed with rifles, pistols and knives and continued their looting spree throughout the night before fleeing.

Nasir Bhatti, a motorway police driver, was also among the victims, with the robbers allegedly forcing women in his household to hand over their jewellery.

In a particularly distressing case, a farmer, Allah Rakha, whose daughter was due to be married in three days, was deprived of her entire dowry, including jewellery and other household items prepared for the wedding.

In a separate incident within the limits of City Police Station near the Khanewal Toll Plaza, two armed men riding a Honda 125 motorcycle held jail police constable Zeeshan at gunpoint and snatched cash, his police card, driving licence and other documents.

Further robberies were reported in Basti Abbas Nagar and at 68-Mor, where suspects allegedly looted cash, mobile phones and a Honda 125 motorcycle from local residents before escaping.

Police reached the affected areas, inspected the crime scenes and launched investigations.