KARACHI: A suspected gangster, who had allegedly established a reign of terror in Lyari and was wanted in over 40 criminal cases, was killed in an ‘encounter’ in Kharadar in the early hours of Friday morning, officials said.

They added that acting on a tip-off about the presence of gangsters linked with Lyari gang warfare in Phool Pati Line near Juna Market a Kharadar police party encircled the area. On seeing the police, the gangsters resorted to firing upon which an encounter ensued in which Umer Kutchhi was gunned down. The incident occurred at around 04.45am. Other suspects escaped taking advantage of darkness.

“He was a notorious criminal wanted in over 40 criminal cases, including killings and terrorism,” said City SSP Adeel Hussain Chandio.

“He had established a reign of terror in Lyari and adjoining areas and remained associated with Uzair Baloch’s gang,” the officer added. “In his brutality and terror, Umer Kutchhi was equal to Baba Ladla.”

Ex-Navy man shot dead

A former employee of Pakistan Navy was shot dead in Memon Goth on Friday, police said. They added that Mohammed Khan Jamali, 53, was travelling in his car when unidentified motorcyclists opened fire on him near Dad Mohammed Goth.

He was taken to the Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Centre, where doctors pronounced him dead on arrival.

He sustained bullet wounds on his neck, head and in abdomen.

Memon Goth SHO Gulzar Ali Tunio told Dawn that the victim was reportedly on his way to his plot located on a link road off the Superhighway when he was attacked.

Five spent bullet casings fired from a 9mm pistol have been collected from the crime scene. The deceased retired from Navy in 2001 and lived in Gulistan-i-Jauhar.

The police suspected personal enmity behind the murder.

Man killed in Korangi

A man was shot dead and another wounded inside their home in Korangi.

Awami Colony SHO Nasir Mehmood said two suspects stormed their home and opened fire on house occupants.

As a result, Hussain Bux, 36, and Zafar Ahmed, 30, sustained bullet wounds and were taken to the JPMC, where doctors pronounced the former dead on arrival.

The police said personal enmity was behind the murder.

Ban on aerial firing, motor racing

The home department on Friday imposed a ban on aerial firing, wheelie and motor racing to save human lives on New Year Night.

The ban has been imposed in order to safeguard lives of citizens.

Published in Dawn, December 30th, 2017