Rangers build-up pressure: City-wide raids yield 30 more suspects

The arrested suspects reportedly include target killers and members of a banned organisation.

KARACHI: In an ongoing drive against criminals and terrorists, at least 30 more suspects were detained during targeted operations and raids in different parts of the city.

The main operation was conducted by Rangers in Orangi Town’s Urdu Chowk, from where about 18 suspects were apprehended. About 150 personnel of the Rangers participated in the raid and a door-to-door search operation was conducted in the area. The entire locality was cordoned off during the operation.

Following the two-and-a-half hour raid, residents staged a protest against the arrests. The protesters reportedly pelted the passing vehicles with stones, raised slogans against the law enforcers and demanded the release of those rounded up. Later, they dispersed peacefully.



The detainees, which included four alleged high-profile killers, were shifted to an undisclosed location for further questioning. The Rangers believe that some suspects belonged to a political party and a banned outfit.

According to Rangers spokesperson, criminals forced the residents to come out of their homes and protest. He said that this is a usual tactic of the criminals, which is intended to create hurdles for the law enforcers by creating unrest.

Separately, at least a dozen more suspects were taken into custody during targeted raids conducted in Faqira Goth, Chanesar Goth, Nazimabad and Macchar Colony. About 29 weapons of different calibers, including sub machineguns, rifles, shotguns and pistols were, also seized.

Published in The Express Tribune, March 14^th, 2013.