KARACHI, Jan 1: The Anti-Dacoity and Robbery Cell of Investigation Police nabbed 15 accused involved in street crimes like snatching ornaments, cash and mobile phones at gunpoint. Police also recovered 42 mobile phones, artificial gold weighing two-kilogram, 11 pistols, 11 magazines, 37 cartridges and a motorcycle from their possession.

During a press conference at former CIA centre, SSP Altaf Qadri told newsmen that the police had a tip off that a five-member gang was present at Wali Chowk in Boat Basin police limits. They were planning to rob the people celebrating new year eve, he said.

DSP Nooruddin Sanjrani along with his party conducted the raid and arrested accused Muhammad Irfan alias Muna, Kamran Shah, Ishtiaq Ahmed, Masoom Siddiqui and Mazhar along with five pistols, five magazines, 20 cartridges and 35 mobile phone sets.

In another raid, the police arrested Nizamuddin and Muhammad Anwar along with 2kg imitative gold biscuits, two mobile phone sets, two TT pistols, two magazines and eight cartridges. The accused used to cheat jewellers by supplying imitative gold. They were also involved in looting the jewellers and other people at gunpoint. Police were in search of their other accomplices.

In Azizabad, accused Muhammad Naeem was arrested with three mobile phone sets, a TT pistol, a magazine and three cartridges.

In Korangi, an absconder Qamarul Hassan alias Hassan was arrested with a TT pistol, four cartridges and a magazine while accused Javed Raza was arrested from Lucky Star area with a stolen bike, a TT pistol, a magazine and three cartridges.

Another four accused namely Zakir Hussain alias Fateh, Murtaza, Shahid Rizwan and Siraj were arrested, who were absconding and wanted to Garden, Malir City, Jamshed Quarters, Soldier Bazaar and other police stations in a number of robbery cases. Accused Asghar Ali was arrested near Panorama Centre along with a TT pistol, two mobile phone sets, a magazine and four cartridges. —PPI