By: Kamran Ali Shah
PESHAWAR: Peshawar Police on Monday arrested a three-member organised gang that had been robbing Afghan citizens and women at gunpoint by posing as officials of sensitive agencies and seeking treatment at the hospital.
Police said strict notice was taken of the incidents following public complaints and reports lodged by foreign citizens. On the directions of senior officers, a special investigation team was constituted under the supervision of SP Cantt Division Abdullah Ehsan, with SDPO Hayatabad Circle Muhammad Junaid Kharal and SHO Hayatabad Police Station Kamran Marwat as members.
During the investigation conducted on modern technical and scientific lines, the team traced and arrested the gang, which had been targeting Afghan citizens and other innocent people, particularly those visiting the city for medical treatment.
The arrested suspects were identified as Abdul Khalil, son of Juma Khan, a resident of Abshar Colony; Shamsur Rehman, son of Amin, a resident of Tehkal Payan; and Farooq, son of Muhammad Khan, a resident of Lakki Marwat, currently living in Wapda Town.
According to police, the suspects used to target victims in posh areas of Hayatabad, forcibly put them into vehicles and loot them under the guise of being officials of sensitive institutions.
Police said Afghan nationals Mohammad Sulh and Tawabur Rehman had lodged separate complaints at the Hayatabad police station, leading to the registration of cases and the launch of a formal investigation.
The investigation team expanded its scope by analysing CCTV footage, technical evidence and other information, which ultimately led to the exposure and arrest of the gang.
During the operation, police recovered more than Rs1.9m from the suspects, including $500, 1,300 dirhams, 28,000 Afghan currency and Rs1.61m in Pakistani currency.
During interrogation, the suspects confessed to robbing Afghan citizens who had come to Peshawar for medical treatment while impersonating officials of sensitive agencies. Police said further revelations were expected during the course of the investigation.
