LANDI KOTAL, (Khyber Agency) Dec 17: The Jamrud political authorities arrested a notorious criminal after he and two of his accomplices killed an Afghan during an armed encounter At Ibrahimkhel area near Jamrud in Khyber Agency on Tuesday.

According to the Assistant Political Agent (APA) Jamrud, two Afghan nationals Aurang and Aimal, riding in a double cabin pick-up (Peshawar-B 3628), while coming from Bara to Jamrud, were intercepted by a gang of three notorious criminals, also riding in a car (Mardan-B 1790).

The criminals gang headed by Abdul Wali tried to kidnap the two Afghans, which they resisted. During the scuffle, the two sides also exchanged fire which resulted in the killing of Aurang on the spot while his friend Aimal sustained bullet injuries. In the meantime, APA and political tehsildar along with Line Officer were on a routine petrol of the area.

Upon hearing the gunshots, political tehsildar and a line officer, who were on patrol at the time, rushed to the area and chased the criminals.

Both sides exchanged fire with the result the gang leader Abdul Wali sustained injuries while two of his unknown accomplices managed to escape.

During the encounter, the vehicle of line officer was also damaged.

Abdul Wali, after being arrested, was shifted to Hayatabad Medical Complex while the political authorities took the two vehicles in their custody.

He was an important member of the notorious Shaitan group, involved in a number of murders, kidnappings, road robberies and car-snatching cases.

Shaitan was killed by Peshawar police in 1999 after which Abdul Wali had been absconding.

Training Course: The Khyber Agency political administration clarified they had provided all possible assistance to Mahsud Scouts for training of Khasadars at Shah Kas fort in Jamrud.

Talking to Dawn at Khyber house in Peshawar on Wednesday, Political Agent Arbab Mohammad Arif categorically said that the 12-week training course would proceed, irrespective of the fact as to who would impart the training to the tribal security force.

“We have the option to acquire services of Khyber Rifles or Swat Scouts for the purpose if Mahsud Scouts have any reservations regarding our selection criteria,” he said.