KARACHI - A notorious gangster was killed in a shootout in Lyari area of Karachi on Sunday, while a clash between rival groups of gangsters left a child and a man dead, and six others wounded.
A gangster, Hafiz Dada, was killed in an encounter in Sajjan Goth area of Lyari by a joint team of Rangers and police personnel. Police officials said they had been tipped off about presence of gangsters and the raid was made on the night between Saturday and Sunday. They said a shootout ensued when the law enforcers tried to lay a siege about the hideout of the gangsters.
Officials said Hafiz Dada was killed when the raiding party repulsed. But, they added, his two companions managed to flee under the cover of shelling. A Kalashnikov was also seized during the raid. According to officials, Dada was affiliated with Uzair Baloch’s group and he was the key player in Lyari gang war. He was found involved in murders of Rangers official Muhammad Hanif a couple of months ago.
Meanwhile, tension simmered in Lyari following a trade of fire and rockets attacks between rival groups of gangsters. At least two lives were lost and at least three children wounded. Witnesses said the battle took place in Shah Baig Lane locality, where armed gangsters fought with rockets and bullets. The victim was identified as 12-year-old Ahsan, and the injured as Sagheer Mohammad, 10, Milad Raza, 12, and Muhammad Omer, 8. Another man was killed in the same area.
 Officials said he was shot in the head. The dead and the wounded were taken to Civil Hospital for autopsy and medical treatment.
The area where the gunbattle took place is a stronghold of Jabbar Jhengu who is affiliated with the Uzair Baloch gang. Law enforcers believed the battle was sparked by the Baba Ladla group.
According to officials the warring groups traded at least half a dozen rockets.
The attacks caused an escalation in the gang war and armed gangsters resorted to indiscriminate firing in various parts of Lyari, including Jhat Phat Lane, Tughlat Lane, Kamaila Stop, Gulistan Colony and Tannery Road areas, suspending routine life and commercial activities.
Meanwhile, six people, including three women, were wounded in a shooting-cum-grenade attack in Macchar Colony area. The injured were taken to Civil Hospital for medical treatment.