KARACHI: Three suspected robbers were gunned down in two alleged encounters in the metropolis, police said on Monday.

In the first incident, Central SSP Zeeshan Shafiq Siddiqi said that after snatching a cell phone and other valuables from a citizen in Hyderi Market, two muggers were roaming near Café Piyala on a motorbike, ostensibly to commit another crime, when a police patrol signalled them to stop late on Sunday night.

But, they resorted to firing and fled towards Rasheedabad within the remit of the Khawaja Ajmer Nagri police station. Police chased them and in an ensuing exchange of gunfire, both suspects suffered bullet wounds and died on the spot.

They were identified as Sajjad Ali Chandio and Mohammed Tahir.

The police said that they had a past criminal record as Sajjad was arrested by the Artillery Maidan and Brigade police over dacoity and possession of an illegal pistol in 2018, while Tahir was arrested by the Liaquatabad police twice in 2014 and 2020.

Two pistols, snatched valuables and a motorcycle were recovered from their custody. The bodies were shifted to the Abbasi Shaheed Hospital for medico-legal formalities.

In the second incident, a suspected mugger was gunned down while his accomplice arrested on main M.A. Jinnah Road near Jail Chowrangi on Sunday night.

The Jamshed Quarters police said that a police patrol spotted some suspects and signalled them. However, they opened fire and tried to escape. In an exchange of gunfire, one suspect, late identified as Ashir Faraz, was killed, while his accomplice, Farhan Shafiq, was arrested.

One unlicensed pistol, a motorcycle and snatched cell phones were recovered from their possession.

The body was shifted to the Dr Ruth Pfau Civil Hospital Karachi for medico-legal formalities.

Published in Dawn, April 29th, 2025