KOHAT: Police arrested a notorious gang leader and his son wanted in a multiple murder case during a raid at a hujra here on Saturday.

The accused, Badshah Khan alias Gamu and his son Naveed, were later marched through the main bazaar in police custody. Both are wanted in different cases including murders, extortion, and land grabbing since decades.

The accused had been holding dispute jirgas on payment and struck compromises with the victims’ families in dozens of murder cases, a police statement said.

The district police officer, Abdur Rauf Qaisarani, told media persons that an FIR had been lodged for the murder of four people, including the brother of high-ranking official of an intelligence agency, in Shinwari Town on August 30.

Gamu fled every time police raided his hideout after which a plan had been devised for their arrest. on Saturday, the police team headed by DSP Azmat Bangash wearing burqas entered the hideout from its four entrances and was able to get hold of Gamu and Naveed.

Police also hired a drone camera to monitor the roof of the hujra from where the accused had escaped arrest several times, the DPO said.

They were shifted to an unknown place after which their family members addressed a press conference in the Kohat Press Club fearing their killing in a fake encounter.

Later, the accused were presented before the media on the demand of their family.

Published in Dawn, December 18th, 2022