Peshawar police say four members of an interprovincial robbery gang were killed in an encounter, while two others escaped under cover of darkness.
PESHAWAR: Peshawar police said they have killed four members of a wanted robbery gang during an encounter, including its alleged leader, Waqar, after the group was reportedly active for about 15 years across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Punjab, Sindh and Islamabad.
Capital City Police Officer (CCPO) Dr. Mian Saeed said police launched the operation after receiving intelligence about the gang. According to the police chief, the suspects opened fire on the police team, prompting retaliatory fire in which four alleged robbers were killed.
Two other suspects reportedly escaped under cover of darkness. Police said raids were being conducted to apprehend them.
Gang allegedly posed as security personnel
According to Dr. Mian Saeed, the group allegedly used security-style uniforms and equipment to carry out robberies. The suspects reportedly posed as intelligence or security personnel and entered homes under the pretext of conducting search operations.
Once inside, they allegedly held residents hostage and stole cash, gold and other valuables.
Police said the gang was equipped with modern weapons, wireless sets and other communication equipment. The group also allegedly used Wi-Fi jammers to prevent residents from contacting police or family members during robberies.
Criminal network spanned four jurisdictions
Police said the gang had been involved in organized crime for around 15 years, with its network extending beyond Khyber Pakhtunkhwa into Punjab, Sindh and the federal capital.
According to police officials, members of the group had been nominated and arrested in more than 12 cases but allegedly returned to criminal activity after securing legal relief.
The operation highlights the challenge posed by criminals who impersonate law-enforcement or security personnel to gain access to homes. Such tactics can make it difficult for residents to distinguish genuine officials from criminals, particularly during purported search operations.
The use of communication equipment and alleged Wi-Fi jammers also underscores the increasingly sophisticated methods reportedly being used by organized robbery groups.
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