KARACHI - At least two passersby were killed and around one dozen others including women were wounded during a fresh wave of gang war in violent hit areas of Lyari, on Sunday.
According to details, the gang war between two groups – Baba Ladla and Uzair Baloch took place in various parts of Lyari including Sarbazi Mohalla, Shah Baig Lane, Ali Mohammad Mohalla, Saifi Lane, Moosa Lane, Aath Chowk, Chakiwara, Khadda Market, Nayyabad, Juna Masjid Road where members of both groups used crackers and rockets against one another.
The residents of the affected areas remained indoors due to intense firing and explosions of rockets and crackers, while the routine and commercial activities also remained suspended despite the presence of extra contingent of Rangers and police.
Sources said that fresh wave of violence started after Baba Ladla members fired rockets and bombs when Uzair Baloch members were preparing for the Baloch Cultural day.
“After the Ladla’s group members started attacking, the rival group also retaliated,” said an eyewitness adding, “The aim behind attacking by Ladla group was to sabotage the cultural day being observed by Uzair Baloch group.” He said the law enforcers remained outside the affected areas until the both groups halted their actions themselves.
The bodies and injured persons were moved to Civil Hospital, Karachi and Lyari General Hospital for autopsy and medical treatment. The deceased were identified as Naseer Ahmed and Hanif while the injured as Mohammad Brohi, Shabana, Jamila, Sakina, Asma, Shabbir Hussain, Ismail, Asghar and Mustafa.
Police officials said the deceased and injured were the residents of the same areas and passersby. At least two people were wounded when a Rangers van reportedly came under attack in the Lyari area.
Meanwhile, law enforcers apprehended over one dozen suspects including alleged targeted killers and gangsters during targeted operation and raids in various parts of the city. Two alleged target killers, Shahid and Ahsan, were arrested along with weapons during a raid conducted by Rangers in Korangi locality. Sources said the suspects were associated with a political party, who were shifted to undisclosed location for further questioning.
Two more suspects associated with a political party were apprehended during a police raid in Gulshan-e-Iqbal area. The suspects were identified as Junaid and Adnan. Police claimed the suspects were involved in various cases of target killings while further investigation was underway.
An alleged Lyari gangster, Akbar, was arrested during an alleged encounter with police and Rangers in Lyari area. Police said a joint raid was conducted at the hideout of Lyari’s notorious gangster, Faisal Pathan in Gulistan Colony. Alleged gangster Akbar was wounded and later arrested by the law enforcers during the exchange of fire while his accomplice managed to escape under the cover of firing.
Five suspects were apprehended during a police operation in SITE area. Police said three gangsters and two drug peddlers were among the detainees, who were shifted to undisclosed location for further questioning.
Three suspects, Yaqoob, Bilal and Akhtar Hussain were arrested from Sea View within the limits of Darakshan police station. Police said the suspects were involved in number of cases of street crimes.