Suspect, 60, accused of stalking citizens carrying cash into banks during dozens of robberies
KARACHI:
A 60-year-old man posing as an unsuspecting bank visitor turned out to be the eyes and ears of a gang of thieves, according to police, who arrested him for allegedly stalking citizens withdrawing large sums of money and alerting his accomplices.
Ferozabad police arrested Muhammad Mangi during an operation against a gang involved in robbing citizens after the latter withdrew money from banks. According to SSP East Zubair Nazir Sheikh, the suspect was a key member of an organized gang and would visit banks to identify people carrying large sums of cash before informing his accomplices.
Police officials said investigations into repeated robberies targeting citizens traveling from banks to their destinations revealed that an elderly man was carrying out suspicious reconnaissance. To avoid arousing suspicion, the gang allegedly used the elderly person as an observer.
During interrogation, police said it emerged that the suspect was part of a four-member gang that would chase and rob citizens after receiving information from Mangi. Police said CCTV footage of several alleged robberies was also obtained, showing the suspect inside different banks and other suspects riding motorbikes at the scene of the robbery.
According to police, Mangi confessed during interrogation to being involved in dozens of criminal incidents. Investigators also discovered that two years ago, he allegedly conducted surveillance on a DSP, leading to a Rs800,000 heist carried out with the help of the same gang.
Police said the suspect’s criminal record had also surfaced, showing his alleged involvement in a murder case committed during a robbery. A complaint has been registered against him, while searches are being carried out to arrest his fleeing accomplices.
Two false information
officers detained
Bahadurabad police have arrested two men who allegedly posed as agents of a sensitive institution and used fake identities to mislead citizens and influence government officials.
The suspects, identified as Talha Yousufzai and Ali Haqani, were arrested and transferred to the police station for investigation. A complaint was filed against them on behalf of the State, in particular for falsification of documents and improper use of a false official identity.
According to police, the suspects were traveling in a black vehicle and posed as agents of a sensitive institution. Following information, the police arrested them and asked for their identity documents. The suspects allegedly produced fake ID cards from the institution, which turned out to be falsified.
Police said preliminary investigations revealed that the suspects allegedly used the name of a sensitive institution to extort millions of rupees from citizens and were also allegedly involved in pressuring government officials for bribes.
Sources said the suspects allegedly acquired a bungalow in Bahadurabad through blackmail, while fake institutional identity cards were recovered from their possession.
Investigators said the suspects allegedly used their fake influence in various institutions, including Sindh Building Control Authority and Karachi University, to carry out different tasks. They were also allegedly involved in cases related to illegal constructions and land encroachments.
Police said investigations into the suspects’ possible links to government and private institutions were ongoing and further arrests were expected.
