Raids and arrests: Three political party workers apprehended

No one was allowed to enter or leave the area while raid was being conducted

KARACHI: Three men allegedly associated with the Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) were apprehended during an overnight targeted raid conducted by the Rangers in Liaquatabad No. 2.

During the raid, which was conducted on a tip-off, the area was cordoned off. No one was allowed to enter or leave the neighbourhood.

According to sources, three suspects were taken into custody during the raid and were later shifted to an undisclosed location for further questioning. Sources identified the suspects as Hafiz Muhammad Owais, Abdul Noman Siddiqui and Shaikh Saadi. They are said to be affiliated with MQM's Unit 162.



MQM's Wasim Akhtar said that it was not acceptable for any law enforcement agency to declare political affiliations of the suspects before it was proven in the court. "Third-degree torture can compel anyone to confess to a crime which they never committed," he said. "The question is: how can an agency declare the suspects as culprits. It is the job of the court."

The Rangers issued a press release which claimed that nine criminals, including extortionists and target killers affiliated with a political party were arrested during targeted raids in city, including areas such as Sindh Hotel, Godhra Colony and Sohrab Goth.

Weapons were also recovered from them.

Published in The Express Tribune, December 11^th, 2014.