Caught lying: Police arrest two men faking association with TTP

Their gang includes three other men who were killed in a police encounter, says SP Mashwani.

KARACHI: Police officials arrested 35 men, including two who were masquerading their association with the Taliban, during targeted raids in various parts of the city on Tuesday.

Crime Investigation Department arrested Sher Zaman and Murad Ali during a raid in Landhi and found two hand grenades, two TT pistols and a rifle in their possession. SP Mazhar Mashwani said during a press conference that the suspects had been involved in a number of crimes in Landhi, Quaidabad and Sherpao Colony. “The gang, which included three other men who were killed during a police encounter a few months ago, doesn’t have any links with the Taliban,” said SP Mashwani. “However, they have been committing the crimes under their name.”

Eight men were arrested during a separate raid in Soldier Bazaar, Lasbella and Albela Chowk. They are being investigated for their involvement in an attack on a traffic police post in Lasbella on Monday in which two policemen were killed. “Criminals don’t usually attack traffic police,” said DSP Majeed Abbas. “The motive behind the incident has yet to be determined and the police might have found some important clues from the detainees,” he added.



Additionally, the Rangers arrested 25 men during raids in various parts of Karachi, including Kati Pahari, Qasba Colony, Noorani Basti and Korangi.

According to their spokesperson, 66 weapons, including sub-machineguns, rifles and large quantity of ammunitions were found in their possession. They have been taken to an undisclosed location for questioning.

The Rangers have also removed street barriers in Sharifabad as a part of attempts to eliminate no-go areas in the city.

Published in The Express Tribune, April 3^rd, 2013.