Crackdown continues: Suspected member of Lyari gang killed in ‘encounter’ in Keamari

Identity yet to be ascertained, body moved to Edhi morgue.

KARACHI: A suspected member of the Lyari gang war was killed in an alleged encounter with the law enforcers in Jackson, Keamari, while two other alleged criminals, who were injured in an encounter in Ferozabad, were also arrested. Two key players of the Lyari gang war were also apprehended.

The police officials said that the suspect was killed when the police raided their hideout in Jackson. After an exchange of fire, the accused was killed while two of his accomplices managed to escape. The police also said that the accused was associated with the Sajjad Khatri group of the Lyari gangsters and was wanted by the police in various criminal cases.

The 'gangster' has yet to be identified and has been taken to the Edhi morgue in Sohrab Goth for identification. His medico-legal formalities were completed at Civil Hospital, Karachi.

Separately, two alleged criminals, Ghulam Sarwar and Ismail, were arrested after an alleged encounter with the police in Ferozabad. The police officials said that both the suspects were injured during the encounter while one of their companions managed to escape. Two pistols and a stolen motorcycle was also recovered from their possession. Cases were registered against them while further investigation is still underway.

Meanwhile, two key players of the Lyari gang war were reportedly apprehended in two separate raids in the city. According to unconfirmed reports, Zahid Ladla, the younger brother of Baba Ladla, was detained from Lyari along with his companion, Sarwar Baloch. Faisal Pathan, the chief operation commander for Ladla's rival Uzair Baloch group was apprehended from Super Highway along with four of his companions and three women.

Pathan, who was tracked through his cellphone, was trying to escape to Quetta from Karachi when he and his companions were taken into custody.

These raids were apparently conducted by the intelligence agencies and the police refused to confirm the arrests."What can we say when nobody informed us about the arrests," said Lyari DSP Murtaza Mirani. "It is clear that the two of them have disappeared from Lyari."

Mirani said they are trying to confirm their arrests. "It does not matter who arrested them. If they have not been arrested, I wish they do get arrested."

Published in The Express Tribune, April 30^th, 2014.