Pakistan Rangers (Sindh) and SIU Police arrested three alleged extortionists in an injured state after an exchange of fire during a joint operation in the Garden area.
According to an official press release issued on Monday, the intelligence-based raid was conducted near Kashti Masjid when the suspects allegedly opened fire on security personnel, prompting a retaliatory action by the law enforcement agencies.
As a result of the firing, Syed Basit Hussain alias Shah Rukh, Abdul Samad, and Muhammad Taha alias Maya were apprehended after sustaining injuries. These individuals are allegedly associated with the Wasiullah Lakho, Jamil Changa, and Abdul Samad Kathiawari extortionist groups.
An official spokesperson detailed that the suspects’ role in the criminal network was to identify potential targets, including private builders, medical stores, restaurants, and cosmetic shops, and provide information about them to their ringleaders to demand extortion (protection money).
The arrested individuals and their accomplices were also involved in previous attacks carried out to intimidate businesses for non-payment of extortion. These incidents include firing on a cardboard factory and a cosmetic shop in New Karachi, and a restaurant in Nazimabad.
Authorities have confirmed that the suspects are clearly identifiable in the CCTV footage of these previous attacks.
It was also revealed that one of the suspects, Syed Basit Hussain, is a habitual offender who has been arrested and jailed previously.
Following the operation, the injured suspects have been handed over to the police for further legal proceedings. Security forces are actively conducting raids to locate and apprehend the remaining members of the group.
The Rangers have appealed to the public to report any information about criminal elements to their nearest check post, the Rangers Helpline 1101, or the Rangers Madadgar WhatsApp number 03479001111, assuring that the identity of informants will be kept confidential.