KARACHI: Four suspected militants believed to be associated with the banned Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan were shot dead in an ‘encounter’ in the militancy-infested locality of Sohrab Goth on Thursday evening, officials said.

Acting on a tip-off, contingents of police conducted a raid on a suspected hideout of militants near a graveyard in Sohrab Goth where they came under attack, the officials said.

The police returned fire and after a ‘fierce gun battle’ four alleged militants were killed, claimed Malir SSP Rao Anwar.

However, he added that the police were trying to ascertain the identity of the deceased.

He said that the SHO of Bin Qasim Town had received secret information that Sohrab Goth chief of the Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan Qari Alamgir was staying in a home in the congested locality along with his accomplices.

“Qari Alamgir was wanted in kidnapping for ransom and other criminal cases,” said SSP Anwar.

The police received reports that the suspects were planning to carry out a terrorist act in the metropolis, the officer added.

The police claimed to have seized explosive material, arms and ammunition from their possession.

“Eight to 10 bags containing explosive material have been seized,” claimed Bin Qasim SHO Azhar Iqbal. Besides, a suicide jacket, pistols, submachine guns and hand grenades were also seized, he added.

‘Suspect involved in killing PPP workers gunned down’

A suspected gangster involved in the murder of Pakistan Peoples Party workers and others was shot dead in an encounter in Lyari on Thursday, according to Kalakot police.

Personnel of police and Rangers encircled the area near Gabol Park after receiving a tip-off and killed the suspect identified as Talha alias Gwadari, 24, in an exchange of fire, said police.

“Talha was involved in killing three PPP workers recently and in other cases,” said City SP Aftab Nizamani.

Talha, who hailed from Gwadar, was one of the main characters in the Uzair Baloch-led gang in Lyari, said the officer. He was a close aide to Maab Baloch, ringleader of the gang who was recently killed in an encounter.

Police claimed to have found a pistol on the suspected gangster’s body.

His body was later shifted to the Civil Hospital Karachi.

Published in Dawn, February 20th, 2015

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