BADIN, April 4: A heavy police force was deployed in and around Lowari on Friday after news of the murder of Mir Ghous Bux Talpur, general manager of the Lowari estate and disciple of Pir Mohammad Sadiq Qureshi Naqshbandi, reached there.

The town has already been gripped by tension after the murder of another disciple of Pir Mohammad Sadiq Qureshi Naqshbandi last month.

Mr Talpur was killed at his relative’s bungalow in Clifton, Karachi, on Friday.

Earlier, the field manager of Pir Sadiq, Ali Mardan Chandio, was shot dead in Lowari a couple of weeks ago.

A curfew like situation prevailed in Lowari as the administration asked the residents to remain indoor. Besides, the vehicular traffic remained suspended on Badin-Kadhan-Ali Bandar roads.

Half a dozen police pickets have been set up in and around the town and more police force has been called from Thatta and Hyderabad districts.

The district police officer, Badin, Javed Ahmed Odho, when contacted, confirmed the death of Mr Talpur and added that steps were being taken to control the situation and ensure the protection of the members of the rival groups of Dargah Lowari.