Several suspects were apprehended by the paramilitary Rangers and police in raids on parts of Karachi, including Lyari and Bheempura, on Monday.
According to a spokesperson for the Rangers, huge stash of weapons, including 14 SMGs, five rifles, eight pistols, 41 home-made bombs and hundreds of bullets, was seized from the suspects. He said the weapons were meant to be used to disrupt peace in Karachi. The raids were carried out on information provided by the suspects arrested earlier, added the spokesperson.
Meanwhile, led by Atiq Mir, a seven-member delegation of the All-Karachi Traders Union, called on Sindh Rangers Director General (DG) Major General Bilal Akbar at the Rangers headquarters.
The delegation informed the DG about their security concerns in case the targeted operation was stopped. DG Akbar however assured them that the paramilitary force would continue the targeted operation against criminals and violators of the law until its logical end.
The trade body representatives lauded the paramilitary Rangers’ efforts and role in bringing down the crime rate.
Earlier, different traders’ bodies took out rallies, protesting the curtailment in special powers for the Rangers by the Sindh government through a conditional resolution.
The protesters raised slogans in favour of the paramilitary force and demanded unconditional extension in their special powers to maintain law and order in metropolis.
The Rangers had apprehended around 20 criminals, including banned outfit’s operatives and those belonging to the armed wing of a political party, from Lyari, Surjani Town, Gulistan Johar, Orangi Town, Federal B Area, Sher Shah and Quaidabad areas. The law enforcers had also seized latest weapons and explosives from them.
Political activist killed in clash: A political activist lost his life in a clash between two groups in Shah Faisal Colony. Two others were also wounded. Police officials said the victim person was a political activist. Following the clash, a team of police and Rangers conducted a joint search operation. Entry and exit points of the area were all sealed and a door-to-door search operation was initiated which resulted in more than thirty arrests.
Separately, two people were arrested over theft of construction material in Bhains Colony area. As many as 16 dumpers were also impounded.
