Crackdown: Over a dozen suspects held in police operation

Raids against Zamani group in DI Khan enters second day.

SWABI/ DI KHAN:

At least 17 suspects were arrested in a search operation conducted by Topi and Gadoon police in Gadoon area of Swabi on Monday afternoon.

Topi DSP Khan Khel Khan said the police launched a large-scale search operation to rid the area of all criminal influences, after receiving multiple complaints from residents of Malikabad. He added other law enforcement agencies have been informed and backup has been requested in case the situation deteriorates.



Divulging details, the DSP said multiple houses were targeted during the raid in which 17 suspects were apprehended from whose possession light and heavy weapons along with narcotics were recovered. The DSP revealed the operation would continue until the situation in the area normalises.

Day two

An operation against the Zamani group in the mountain ranges of Panyala in DI Khan entered the second day, revealed a police official.

The operation was against an alleged militant outfit, operating under the name of its outlawed leader Zamani, and focused on the mountain ranges along the border of Lakki Marwat. The Zamani group is said to comprise criminals who fled during the DI Khan jailbreak among other outlaws. Acting on intelligence tip-offs, the police also confiscated light and heavy arms and ammunition on Sunday.

According to a police official, three members of the Zamani group were reportedly injured on the second day of the operation. However, their identities could not be ascertained. Lieutenant Izhar was also injured and was shifted to Combined Military Hospital, DI Khan.

Meanwhile, funeral prayers of elite force personnel Najibullah, who was killed on Sunday, were held at DI Khan Police Lines, where high-ranking police officials were in attendance.

Published in The Express Tribune, February 11^th, 2014.