Ringleader of dacoits’ gang arrested

PESHAWAR: The police in Akora Khattak arrested the ringleader of an inter-provincial gang of dacoits belonging to Afghanistan in connection with a recent robbery-cum-murder case.

The suspect, identified as Dost Muhammad alias Toray, an Afghan national currently living in the Shena Wena Camp near Akora, was wanted by Punjab Police in connection with 14 cases of robbery and armed theft.

Sub-Divisional Police Officer (SDPO) Zahid Alam Khan shared details of the operation at a press briefing at Akora Khattak Police Station.The case was registered on the complaint of Rohullah, a local cloth merchant, who reported that on March 23, 2025, while returning from Faisalabad with his driver Sultan and brother Khairullah, their vehicle was attacked near Akora Bazaar around 3:00am.

Three armed assailants opened fire on their vehicle, resulting in the death of driver Sultan on the spot. The suspects looted cash worth Rs3 million along with several mobile phones before fleeing the scene.

Through modern investigative techniques, the SDPO said, the police were able to trace and arrest Dost Muhammad. During interrogation, the accused confessed to the crime and led the police to the recovery of weapons used in the robbery, a motorcycle, mobile phones, and Rs 1.7 million in stolen cash.The SDPO said that the remaining suspects, identified as Nooruddin and Qasim, both Afghan nationals, were still at large who would be apprehended soon.