Two ‘robbers’ killed in encounter

The suspects were attempting to escape after a bid to loot a house in North Karachi.

KARACHI: Two suspected criminals were killed during an alleged encounter with the police in North Karachi on Sunday. Meanwhile, the Rangers claim to have arrested over half a dozen criminals, including extortionists affiliated with a political party.

Two suspected robbers entered the residence of 45-year-old Shaukat Ali, son of Sharif, in Sector 11-A, North Karachi, within the limits of Sir Syed police station. When the residents offered resistance, the robbers resorted to indiscriminate fire while attempting to escape. As a result of their firing, Ali was wounded. The sound of gunshots also drew a score of neighbours who gathered outside and tried to stop the culprits, pelting stones and injuring both of them.

According to DSP Altaf Hussain, police personnel also reached the site after being informed about the incident. "The suspects also opened fire at the police," claimed the officer, adding that the police retaliated, killing both the robbers in the exchange of fire. The law enforcers also claimed to have confiscated weapons and a motorcycle from the suspects. The bodies were shifted to the Edhi morgue for identification after autopsies at Abbasi Shaheed Hospital.

Meanwhile, at least eight suspects were arrested during targeted raids conducted by the Rangers in Rasheedabad, Korangi, Malir and Hyderi. A Rangers spokesperson said that those taken into custody included extortionists belonging to a political party. "These extortionists were distributing donation slips, Zakat-Fitra, to the traders and shopkeepers in Hyderi market before Ramazan. The slips are used in criminal activities."

Published in The Express Tribune, June 1^st, 2015.