LAHORE:Shafiqabad police have arrested members of an active criminal gang responsible for snatching purses and cash from women returning home after shopping, officials confirmed on Wednesday.
The suspects, identified as Mirza Saeed and Ghulam Nabi, were part of a group that operated across various areas of Lahore, including Shafiqabad. According to City SP Bilal Ahmed, the gang used motorcycles to approach their victims, forcibly seizing purses, mobile phones, and cash before fleeing. "The accused were seen in CCTV footage committing robberies against women and escaping," said SP Ahmed. He added that the gang had been involved in multiple recent incidents, including purse-snatching crimes days before their arrest. Police recovered illegal weapons, a motorcycle, and stolen cash from the suspects. Cases have been registered, and investigations are ongoing. SP Ahmed commended the Shafiqabad SHO and his team for their swift action, stating, "We are ensuring the arrest of active street criminal gangs to protect citizens."
Security measures inspected
SP Cantt Capt (retd) Qazi Ali Raza inspected the security arrangements at the shrine of Hazrat Madhu Lal Hussain on Friday ahead of the annual Urs celebrations.
The visit aimed to ensure comprehensive safety measures for the thousands of devotees expected to attend the event. During the inspection, Station House Officer (SHO) Baghbanpura M Imran briefed SP Cantt on the security plan. Police personnel were instructed to remain on high alert and enforce strict three-tier security protocols, including walk-through gates, metal detectors, and thorough physical checks of visitors. “Devotees will only be allowed entry after rigorous security checks,” said Raza. “We are taking every possible step to ensure a peaceful and secure environment during the Urs.”
Seven bodies found from different areas
The authorities recovered bodies of seven men from different areas of the provincial capital during the past 24 hours. According to details, a 25-year-old man identified as Naseer was found dead near Multan Chungi in Gulshan-e-Iqbal area. Initial investigations suggest the death was caused by drug overdose. In another incident, police recovered the body of 35-year-old Usman near 80 Feet Road in Hanjarwal. Separately, a 45-year-old man who was found unconscious in Factory Area later died during treatment at a local hospital. Other recoveries included an unidentified 50-year-old man found near Gate No. 3 of Services Hospital in Shadman, a 25-year-old youth discovered near Kainchi Stop in Kot Lakhpat, and an unknown individual recovered from Niaz Beg Graveyard in Hanjarwal. Additionally, the body of a 45-year-old unidentified man was found near Sabir Shah Wali shrine in Tibbi City area.