Action by law enforcers: Rangers pay 'routine' visit to Nine Zero

MQM leader denies reports, says Rangers visit almost daily.

KARACHI: News of the Rangers' visit to Muttahida Qaumi Movement's headquarters, Nine Zero, on Tuesday spread fast in the media but before speculations could arise, the spokesperson of the former clarified that it was not a raid while the latter called it a "routine matter."

The Rangers officials reportedly removed barriers from around Nine Zero and cordoned off the entry and exit points. They also went inside the Khursheed Memorial Secretariat during their visit.

Reports also surfaced a few days back about the Rangers visit to Nine Zero during which they reportedly made a video inside the headquarters and of the streets around it.



According to MQM leader Aminul Haq, the visit was for the security of Nine Zero. "This is a routine matter. They visit almost everyday." Similarly, the Rangers spokesperson also denied reports of a raid, saying that the visit was part of their patrolling.

Separately, the Rangers and police arrested 218 suspects, including political workers and Lyari gangsters, during the ongoing targeted raids.

Three political activists, reportedly of the MQM, were apprehended from PIB Colony, Gulshan-e-Iqbal, and shifted to an undisclosed location for questioning. The suspects were identified as Ali, Naeem and Arif Mama.

The Rangers also conducted a targeted raid in Bakra Piri, Lyari, during which around half a dozen suspects, including three alleged gang members, were detained.

Other areas where raids were conducted by the Rangers include Kalakot, Baghdadi, Chakiwara, Old Haji Camp, Usmanabad, Behar Colony, Yadgar Fish -Jamshed road, Liaquatabad, Pak Colony, Gulshan-e-Ghazi, Shah Latif town, Manghopir, Jacob Lines, Shah Faisal Colony, Model Colony, Gulshan-e-Iqbal and North Nazimabad. The Rangers spokesperson said that 23 criminals were arrested.

Police's performance

Three criminals were apprehended during a targeted raid by the Surjani police in Kaniz Fatima Society. According to police officials, the suspects were involved in a number of cases of street crimes, adding that weapons were also found from their possession.

Around six alleged criminals were also detained from AB Sena Line in Lines Area after an exchange of fire between the suspects and the police.

A security guard's uniform was also reportedly found from the hideout.

In all, the Karachi police claimed to have apprehended 177 alleged criminals on Tuesday. According to the Sindh police's spokesperson, 55 illicit arms, two grenades and narcotics were also recovered.

Published in The Express Tribune, October 9^th, 2013.