MANSEHRA: The Oghi police on Friday arrested the leader of a gang involved in looting travellers on Karori Road and other arteries in the district.

The arrest of Mohammad Imtiaz came during a crackdown launched in parts of Oghi tehsil on the orders of district police officer Shafiullah Khan Gandapur.

The police also seized a cache of two unlincensed 7mm rifles, a repeater gun and two pistols.

“We wanted this ringleader for multiple highway robberies in which he and, along with his aides, intercepted vehicles using rocks and weapons before looting passengers,” Oghi DSP Waheed Khan Swati told reporters.

Say crackdown on outlaws will continue

He said a police team, jointly led by him and SHO Gulnawaz Khan, raided a house on the outskirts of Oghi and held the ringleader as he attempted to flee.

Mr Swati said the crackdown on criminals would continue to bring them all, especially highwaymen, to justice.

Earlier, residents and local government representatives from Karori and nearby areas called for a police action to check the rising crime rates, especially that of robberies, in the region.

Chairman of Danda Kholian village council Mohammad Irfan complained that the number of highway robberies had increased in recent weeks, depriving people of cash and valuables.

He appreciated the police’s action and demanded continuation of the action to protect public life and property.

SEIZED: Police have seized hundreds of motorcycles allegedly used in street crimes, especially robberies, in Mansehra city and its suburbs.

Officer of traffic police Wajid Khan told reporters that the action was taken after receiving people’s complaints about those criminals disguising themselves as a ride-hailing service’s providers.

He said that those unregistered bikes also caused traffic congestion through parking in the middle of roads.

The officer said that police would verify the credentials of the owners of all seized motorcycles.

He warned unregistered ride-hailing service providers in the city and its suburbs of strict action.

Meanwhile, the police are deploying women personnel in parts of Mansehra city to ensure the safety of female shoppers during Ramazan.

In a news release, the police said for the first time, policewomen were being deployed in shifts under the supervision of senior male officials.

They said the deployment of women constables was part of a comprehensive security plan meant to ensure foolproof safety of shoppers during Ramazan and Eid.

The police urged residents to report suspicious individuals or activities to ensure protection of their lives and property.

Published in Dawn, March 22nd, 2025