Arrests and encounters: Two alleged gang members killed

Family says the police arrested one suspect and killed him in 'fake' encounter.

KARACHI:

Two alleged members of the Lyari gang war were killed in an alleged encounter with the Lyari police, while five other suspects said to be involved in street crimes were arrested in separate raids on Saturday.

The two alleged gang members were killed during an encounter on main Mauripur Road. Kalri police officials said that the encounter took place when the police were conducting routine checking near Crown Cinema and they tried to intercept the suspects riding on at least six motorcycles.

In the ensuing exchange of fire, the two suspects were wounded. They were taken to Civil hospital where they succumbed to their injuries. The deceased were later identified as Muatabir, a resident of Keamari, and Rafiq Kutchi, a resident of Khadda Market in Lyari.

According to the police, the deceased were associated with the Ustad Taju group of the Lyari gangsters. The family of Mautabir claimed that the deceased was arrested by police about three days ago and was killed in a 'fake' encounter.

‘Street criminals’ arrested

Meanwhile, four other suspects allegedly involved in several cases of street crimes were arrested from Korangi. The arrested were identified as Saddam Hussain, Ali Khan, Imran Younus and Nawab Ali. Weapons and narcotics were also recovered from their possession.

In another raid, Brigade police claimed to have arrested a suspect, Sheraz Arshad, along with weapons during a raid at Preedy Street. Police officials said that the suspect was arrested when he was looting passers-by.

Published in The Express Tribune, May 25^th, 2014.