Brute force in Lyari: Rangers target three alleged hit men in separate encounters

Police detain 22 suspects in targeted raids at Kati Pahari, Islamia Colony and Frontier Colony

KARACHI:

Three alleged target killers were killed in two separate encounters with the Rangers in Lyari. Meanwhile, around two dozen suspects were arrested in various police operations in Karachi on Saturday.

The two alleged target killers, affiliated with a Lyari-based gang, were killed when the Rangers conducted an intelligence-driven operation against suspects at Adam Tea Store, Chakiwara, late on Friday night.

On seeing the Rangers personnel, the gangsters resorted to indiscriminate fire and tried to escape. In the retaliatory fire by the Rangers, two of the suspects were killed, while their companions managed to escape. The bodies were taken to Civil Hospital, Karachi, where the suspects were later identified as Sumair Baloch, alias Shooter, and Baloch.

Rangers spokesperson said that Sumair was associated with the Uzair Baloch group of Lyari gangsters and was the commander of Singu Lane, while Baloch was his close aide, adding that they were involved in 20 murders, including that of a Rangers personnel. They were also involved in numerous cases of extortion and kidnappings. Weapons were also seized from their possession.

Another raid was conducted by the Rangers in Lyari's Tughlaq lane. The Rangers spokesperson said that the suspects opened fire at the law enforcers as they entered the area. In retaliation, the Rangers personnel also opened fire at the suspects. As a result, one of the suspects, identified as Muhammad Hanif alias Kaila, who was associated with the Omar Kutchi group, was killed. The spokesperson added that he was involved in three murder cases.



Kati Pahari raid

Meanwhile, district West police conducted an overnight raid in Kati Pahari, Islamia Colony and Frontier Colony. Police officials said that the operation was conducted on a tip-off regarding the presence of suspects involved in the murder of Awami National Party worker, Shahid. He was shot dead while putting up the party's flags in Orangi Town two days ago.

A large contingent of police personnel and commandoes of the Rapid Response Force participated in the operation. At least 22 suspects were taken into custody during the operation that lasted at least four hours. The suspects were shifted to an undisclosed location for further questioning.

The police also seized weapons from the possession of a few of the suspects. Separately, three alleged criminals, identified as Arif, Haider and Javed, were arrested during a targeted raid in Korangi. Weapons were also seized from their possession.

Published in The Express Tribune, October 26^th, 2014.