Bloodbath continues: Nine dead, as police jolted into action after Thursday’s killings

Police, Rangers raid different detain around 30 suspects.

KARACHI:

At least nine more people were killed in targeted attacks in the city on Friday, as law enforcers detained at least 30 suspects for interrogation. The violence comes on the heels of the bloodiest day for the city so far this year, when 18 people were shot dead on Thursday.

In seemingly sectarian attacks, Syed Ali Asad Naqvi and Mehdi Abbas Zaidi were shot dead in Korangi and Sharifabad areas, respectively. Another three people were killed in Buffer Zone, Orangi Town and Sukkhan areas. SP Khurram Waris claimed that the man who was killed in Buffer Zone was a robber, and was killed by his colleagues over a dispute. However, the identities of the three men were yet to be ascertained.

Meanwhile, policemen came just in the nick of time to save former president of the Malir Bar Association, Amanullah Yousufzai, from two armed suspects in Sharafi Goth area. Police said that Yousufzai was travelling in his car when armed motorcyclists tried to intercept him.

However, they policemen on patrol reached the spot and managed to arrest the two culprits, who were later identified as Zarnawaz and Ashiq. Law enforcers had yet to determine if it was a failed robbery bid or a foiled target killing attempt.

Earlier on, a Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) activist was shot dead near his home in Rehmat Chowk Sector 11 1/2, in Orangi Town. ASI Mohammad Ishaq claimed that 42-year-old Nayyar Shah was shot by at least two armed men on a motorcycle. Nayyar was affiliated with the party’s Unit-109, and was working at the Karachi Metropolitan Corporation’s health department. The body was taken to Abbasi Shaheed Hospital for autopsy.

Another MQM activist, Mudassir Malik, was gunned down, while his companion, Wajahat Abbas, was wounded by armed motorcyclists near Sohrab Goth. Police officials said that the victims were traveling in their car when the culprits opened fire at their car from the Sohrab Goth flyover. Both men were taken to Abbasi Shaheed Hospital, where Mudassir succumbed to injuries. Police said that Mudassir used to live in Gulshan-e-Maymar, and was associated with MQM’s labour division. He also used to work at a private bank in Sharifabad area.

Yasir, 32, was shot dead near Kashti Chowk. Police said that the victim was a shopkeeper in Joria Bazaar, and was shot by culprits shortly after he had left his home. A 26-year-old Hindu man, Raju, son of Suresh, was shot dead while he was sitting near his home on Nishter Road. Law enforcers said that the deceased had a criminal record, but they had yet to figure out why he was killed.

30 suspects picked up

Police and Rangers personnel detained at least 30 suspects during multiple targeted operations in Orangi, Baldia, Keamari, Lyari and Chenasor Goth areas in the wee hours of Friday.

The law enforcers had cordoned off the areas before the operation. However, a majority of these men were later released after authorities found them innocent during initial investigation.

Published in The Express Tribune, February 2^nd, 2013.