Four suspected members of an extortionist network, two of them in an injured state, were arrested after an exchange of fire with security forces on Monday during a joint operation in the Old Golimar area.
The intelligence-based operation was conducted by Pakistan Rangers (Sindh) and SIU police. According to a Rangers spokesperson, the suspects opened fire during a raid on the suspected criminals’ hideout.
In the ensuing retaliatory fire, security personnel arrested Rashid alias Chachu and Abdul Haq alias Doctor in an injured condition. The other two suspects, Waleed alias Dada and Mueez alias Alert Bacha, were taken into custody without any injuries.
Authorities have linked the detainees to several notorious criminal organizations. According to reports, Rashid and Abdul Haq are operatives for the Jamil Chhanga and Abdus Samad Kathiawari extortionist gangs.
Waleed is said to be associated with a Lyari-based drug syndicate linked to the extortion mafia of Riaz alias Sheena and Zahid Ladla, while Mueez is allegedly a member of the Lyari gangster Arshad Pappu group.
The arrested suspects are accused of gathering information on private builders and local traders for their ringleaders, who would later extort money through threats. The gang allegedly resorted to aerial firing to intimidate and spread fear if the money was not paid.
A cache of weapons and a large quantity of narcotics were recovered from the suspects’ possession during the operation. According to official records, Rashid and Abdul Haq are habitual offenders and have been arrested and jailed before.
All four individuals, along with the recovered contraband, have been handed over to the police for further legal proceedings. Authorities have confirmed that raids are being conducted to arrest other accomplices.
Law enforcement agencies have appealed to the public to help in crime prevention by reporting any information about such criminal elements to the nearest Rangers check post or the Rangers Helpline 1101 and WhatsApp number 03479001111, assuring that the informant’s identity will be kept confidential.