Six members of a notorious Afghan dacoit gang were killed in a Thursday night police encounter in the Pak Colony area of Keamari, while two police officials sustained injuries, according to senior police officials.
Keamari SSP Amjad Ahmed Sheikh said an exchange of fire occurred near the Abadkari area when Pak Colony police conducted a raid on information about the presence of a nine-member gang involved in multiple serious crimes. As the police team moved in, the suspects opened fire, prompting a retaliatory response.
The intense two-way firing resulted in the killing of six suspects on the spot. The in-charge of the police outpost, Jan Sher, along with another policeman, was injured after being hit in the arm by bullets fired by the suspects.
Both injured officials were shifted to a nearby hospital, where they were reported to be in stable condition. Following the incident, additional police contingents were deployed in the area as a precautionary measure.
Police officials said weapons and vehicles were recovered from the suspects, including six pistols with ammunition, a rifle and two motorcycles. Initial investigations suggested that the slain suspects were part of an Afghan dacoit gang involved in armed robberies, house break-ins, street crimes and firing on law enforcement personnel.
Four of the deceased suspects were identified as Naqeebullah, Abdul Bari, Allah Dad and Mohabibullah, while efforts were underway to confirm the identities of the remaining two suspects. According to the police, the gang was responsible for a number of high-profile crimes in Keamari and adjoining areas.
SSP Sheikh said the suspects were also involved in a deadly incident that took place in Haroonabad, Keamari, on January 20, during which three brothers were shot dead inside their residence. The victims were identified as Asadullah, Samiullah and Ikramullah, while two other family members, Amir Abdullah and Shafiullah, sustained injuries.
The gang was further wanted in connection with a house robbery in Mauripur, where more than Rs10 million in cash, mobile phones and gold ornaments were allegedly looted. A case related to the incident was registered at the Mauripur police station on January 19. Police officials added that two other members of the gang, identified as Wali and Hayat, had already been arrested in separate operations. Several cases, including robbery, attempted murder, firing on police and possession of illegal weapons, had been registered against the suspects.
