SWABI, Nov 30: Police have arrested around 100 people over suspected links with outlaws in Swabi, Topi, Zaida and their surrounding areas during a two-day search operation.

According to a police official, the search operation was planned in the wake of recent bomb blasts and attacks on police checkposts in the district.

“It was carried out to identify people, especially outsiders, who are linked to militants, kidnappers and auto-thieves,” he said.

The official said most of the arrested men were non-locals, including Afghan nationals and residents of Malakand division and Mohmand Agency, who were living with relatives or friends in the district.

When contacted, District Police Officer Sajjad Khan confirmed arrests and said police had quizzed arrested men and freed after they were found to be innocent.

He said the search operation was meant to learn about outsiders and their activities in the district. The DPO said he didn’t rule out more such operation in future.

“We’ve great interest in knowing how many outsiders live in our district so that their activities could be properly monitored to prevent any unpleasant happening,” he said.

Mr Sajjad said he would ensure that police don’t put innocent people behind bars but at the same time, he would ensure strict action against criminals and those associated with them.

STOLEN CARS RECOVERED: Police on Saturday recovered three stolen cars from a house in Gulu Dheri area and arrested three people.

A police official said names of the arrested men couldn’t be disclosed as that could harm investigation.

He said police were hopeful that they would arrest other members of the car-lifting gang and their local patrons soon.

The official said the cars were stolen during the week from different parts of the district.