Criminals manning check posts

Robbers set up fake security check posts, steal from commuters who try to pass through.

DASKA: Robbers are on a rampage in Daska and its surrounding tehsils as over 34 robberies have been reported over the past four days by the district police.

On Sunday, three unidentified armed robbers looted a motorcycle, gold ornaments, cash, electronics and other valuables (worth thousands of rupees) at gunpoint from a family that was moving to the district while they were unloading their belongings from a truck.

The incident occurred near Daaku Naaka village in Mandraanwala-Daska.

Locals have said that the robbers responsible have set up fake security check posts around the district and have started robbing commuters who try to pass through.

“The accused took my motorcycle, Rs6,000 in cash and two mobile phones at gun point near Ranjhai village,” said Riasat Ali, adding that they had set up ‘security posts’ at most entry points into the district.

“They welcome us at gunpoint,” said Hashim, who had been robbed off Rs1,500 and a mobile phone from Dheedowali village in Daska.

In other cases, Rs11,600 in cash, mobile phone from village Bhaano Pindi based youth Syed Khurram Shah and gold ornaments from his wife were stolen at gunpoint.

Daska Saddar police have said that they are investigating all the robberies but have been unable to make any arrests.

“The robbers allegedly have police uniforms and army uniforms and they pose as security guards,” said superintendent police Afzal Naeem.

Local social, political, business and trade circles have expressed grave concern over the crime wave and have demanded that the police closely monitor all activity in the area.

“It is impossible now to differentiate between the police and the robbers,” said local businessman Sahid Bhutta, adding that he had been robbed by a man in a policeman’s uniform at a check post outside the district. “No one is safe,” he added.

Published in The Express Tribune, November 9^th, 2010.