Gang leader involved in looting of passengers arrested

MANSEHRA: The police in Oghi on Friday arrested the ringleader of a gang involved in looting passengers travelling on Karori Road and other routes in the district.

Acting on the orders of District Police Officer (DPO) Shafiullah Khan Gandapur, the police launched a crackdown in various parts of Oghi tehsil and arrested Imtiaz, the alleged gang leader. They also seized weapons and ammunition from his possession.

“The arrested ringleader was wanted for multiple highway robberies, in which he and his accomplices intercepted vehicles using rocks and weapons before looting passengers,” DSP Oghi Waheed Khan Swati told reporters. He said that a police party led by himself and SHO Gulnawaz Khan conducted a raid on the outskirts of Oghi, where the suspect was attempting to flee.

During the operation, the police recovered two 7mm rifles, a repeater gun, and two pistols from the outlaw’s hideout.“Our crackdown against criminals is underway, and we will ensure that all those involved in highway robberies and other crimes are arrested and brought to justice,” Swati added.

Earlier, residents and local government representatives from Karori and nearby areas had urged authorities to take action against the rising incidents of robbery and crime in the region.“The number of highway robberies has increased in recent weeks, depriving people of their hard-earned money and valuables,” said Mohammad Irfan, chairman of Danda Kholian Village Council, while speaking to reporters in Oghi.

The locals appreciated the police action and called on the DPO to continue the crackdown against outlaws to restore safety in the area.The arrested gang had recently looted dozens of passengers in a road robbery incident.