KARACHI, Dec 8: Two bandits were killed and two others were arrested in an encounter with a seven-member Afghan gang in Defence early on Wednesday morning.
SHO Defence Zia Hasan told Dawn that seven bandits barged into the house of Shafeeq Chotani, located in South Sea View Avenue, DHA Phase-II, around 4:45am.
They held the inmates hostage at gunpoint, however, one of the family members managed to activate a panic alarm system. Following which vehicle of the private security agency reached there.
However, the bandits forced Mr Shafeeq to turn away the vehicle of the security agency saying that everything was fine and alarm system got activated erroneously. Nonetheless, personal of the security agency sensed some foul play and informed the police help line 15.
At the same time, someone from the neighbourhood also rang up the police help line. As the police mobiles reached at the spot, the gang had crossed into Phase-I, the SHO added.
Seeing the police mobiles, the bandits opened fire at the police party ensuing an encounter. Subsequently, one of the suspects, Nazar, died on the spot. Police arrested three suspects Nazak, Zaman and Zainuddin while rest of the gang members fled along with the looted valuables.
Later, Zaman and Nazak were taken to Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Centre, where Zaman succumbed to wounds while Nazak was admitted in a serious condition. Police claimed recovery of four TT pistols from their possession.
"This Afghan gang was very aggressive in approach, as they used to break down the doors before entering into the bungalows. They had been active in the DHA area," the SHO added.
SHO Zia Hasan said that Nazar, who died on the spot, was wanted to the police in several cases of dacoities. He was recently released from the prison after serving a sentence, he added. The case has been lodged and police are searching for their other accomplices.
ACCIDENTS: Two persons died in separate accidents in different parts of the city on Wednesday. Police said that Mohammad Asim, 15, son of a police official, was heading to the City College in a police mobile (SP-6190) when it was hit by a speeding tanker (JT-5994) at Gurumandir.
The boy was rushed to the Civil Hospital, where he was pronounced dead on arrival. Police arrested the truck driver and impounded the vehicle. Mohammad Asim was son of DSP Mohammad Yousaf posted at the CPO as security duty officer.
A 50-year-old man was crushed to death beneath a locomotive near Mauripur. Police said that the victim was identified as Karimullah, who was apparently crossing over the train tracks. His body was shifted to the Civil Hospital for legal formalities.
KILLED: A woman was killed allegedly by her husband in Pirabad. Her two-day-old body was recovered late on Tuesday night. A 10-month baby who survived for two days without food and water was also recovered from besides the body. Police said that the victim was identified as Wali Zar, 35, wife of Mohammad Yousaf.
