Two suspected members of a notorious inter-provincial dacoit gang, Muhammad Saleem alias Watto and Muhammad Asif alias Mithu, allegedly involved in hundreds of bank-related robberies, were arrested in an injured condition after a police encounter near the city’s zoo on Sunday afternoon.

The encounter took place within the limits of the Garden police station when the suspects fired at a police patrol party. The law enforcement personnel returned fire, resulting in both individuals being injured and subsequently arrested.

A spokesperson for the District City Police identified the arrested suspects as Muhammad Saleem alias Watto and Muhammad Asif alias Mithu. The suspects are allegedly accomplices of other gang members who were detained during a similar police operation just two days prior.

Authorities recovered two pistols with ammunition and a motorcycle from their possession at the scene.

According to the police, the gang is accused of systematically conducting reconnaissance on citizens withdrawing cash from banks and subsequently robbing them. Their alleged criminal activities span multiple cities in both Sindh and Punjab provinces.

Police also provided details of Muhammad Saleem’s criminal record, which includes multiple First Information Reports (FIRs) in Punjab. These cases, registered at the Tulamba and City Mian Channu police stations, include charges under the Punjab Arms Ordinance and penal code sections related to robbery and assault.

Following the arrest, the injured suspects have been shifted to a hospital for medical treatment. Formal cases have been registered against them, and further legal proceedings are underway.