Arrests and raids: Thirty suspects including ‘militants’ arrested, kidnapped victim recovered

Four women allegedly involved in stealing women's purses also apprehended from a shopping centre.

KARACHI: Around 30 suspects, including alleged gang members and militants were apprehended during ongoing targeted raids and operations in the city on Tuesday.

Four alleged gang members of the Lyari gang war were arrested during a search operation by the police and Rangers.

Police officials said that the suspects were arrested in two separate encounters held in Baghdadi and Kalri areas of Lyari, adding that the arrested members of the gang war were involved in a number of cases of murder, extortion, kidnapping for ransom and police encounters. Police officials also claim to have recovered two stolen trucks of goods, three stolen motorcycles and four pistols from their possession.

Separately, two robbers were also arrested in an injured condition after an exchange of fire with the police in Surjani Town.

The suspects were mugging passersby when the police reached the site and managed to arrest them after an exchange of fire. Two pistols, looted cell phones and cash were also recovered from their possession. Police high ups also announced Rs100,000 reward for the police team for the successful arrests.

Meanwhile, four women allegedly involved in stealing women's handbags were also caught at a shopping centre near Sakhi Hassan Chowrangi within the limits of the Taimuria police station.

Police officials said that the four women were apprehended by the people at the market and later handed over to the police. Stolen bags and cash were also recovered from their possession. Cases were registered against them while further investigation is underway.

An abducted person was recovered during a joint raid conducted by the police and Rangers near Al-Asif Square in Sohrab Goth.

According to police sources, the captors managed to escape during the raid, however, the abducted person was recovered safely.

They added that the kidnappers belonged to the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP). Raids will continue to be carried out to find the kidnappers.

Meanwhile, some 20 suspects including suspected members of the TTP were detained during an overnight targeted operation by law enforcement agencies in Kunwari Colony, Orangi Town.

Police sources said that the members of other militant outfits were also among the detainees, adding that weapons were also recovered from the possession of a few suspects. The suspects were taken to an undisclosed location for further questioning.

Published in The Express Tribune, July 23^rd, 2014.