HYDERABAD: Two notorious criminals were arrested in an injured condition on Wednesday while their accomplice managed to escape under the cover of darkness following a police encounter in the Nasim Nagar area of Hyderabad.
According to police, the encounter took place when a team led by Nasim Nagar SHO Abdul Malik Abro signalled three suspicious men to stop during routine patrol. The suspects, however, opened fire on the police team, prompting retaliation, as a result of which, two men, identified as Naveed Machhi and Habibullah Machhi, were injured and arrested, while their associate, Abdul Ghafoor, escaped.
Police seized two TT pistols, a snatched motorcycle and mobile phone from the arrested men’s possession. The arrested suspects and their accomplice were reportedly involved in more than 20 cases of serious crimes in Hyderabad and other districts.
Subsequent investigation and CCTV footage confirmed the gang’s involvement in several past incidents. The Hyderabad police said the suspects were involved in a 2023 case within the Baldia police jurisdiction when a citizen was killed during a robbery bid near Taj Pump opposite the central jail.
The culprits were also seen in footage committing street crimes within the Phuleli police’s jurisdiction. The investigators stated that the gang had been active in recent months, snatching motorcycles and valuables from citizens in different areas of Hyderabad. They were also allegedly involved in a 2022 murder in Matli.
The injured suspects have been shifted to hospital, and efforts are under way to arrest the absconding accomplice. Meanwhile, Hyderabad SSP Adeel Hussain Chandio urged the citizens to immediately report any suspicious activity to help police combat crime.
