Police claim attacks were over a monetary dispute between members of two gangs. PHOTO: REUTERS/ FILE
Speaking to The Express Tribune, SHO Abdul Moeed said that members of the ‘Kalo’ group hurled hand grenades at the house of a local leader, Muhammad Ali, in which at least 14 people were injured. “It was a monetary dispute,” said SHO Moeed. “These groups used to operate under the umbrella of the Awami National Party (ANP). A few months ago, they split and now, both are trying to establish their hold in the area.”
On the other hand, ANP leader Muhammad Ali denied these allegations. He claimed that the attack was carried out by members of banned outfits who did not want him to support the ANP. “It was armed groups who attacked us with the help of drug peddlers from the area,” he alleged.
Ali added that his family had been living in the area for over 40 years and had never been accused of illegal activities before. “Law enforcers are trying to divert the investigation by claiming the ANP supports drug peddlers. It is the responsibility of law enforcement agencies to find the real culprits and put them behind bars,” he concluded.
Following the blast, panic gripped the vicinity as the law enforcement personnel cordoned off the area and conducted a door-to-door search operation. A prayer leader at a local mosque told The Express Tribune that the neighbourhood was adversely affected by the activities of both drug peddlers and militants.
Published in The Express Tribune, January 31st, 2014.
COMMENTS
Comments are moderated and generally will be posted if they are on-topic and not abusive.
For more information, please see our Comments FAQ