Sabahat Sarwar
Karachi: A wanted extortionist, allegedly involved in a string of attacks on businesses and under construction projects over unpaid extortion demands, was killed in a police encounter in the Shahrah-e-Noor Jahan area, police said. The encounter took place on the main road block U, North Nazimabad where police encountered two suspected members of an extortion gang. An exchange of fire took place between the police and the suspects, in resulting one suspect being killed while his accomplice managed to escape. The deceased was identified as Muhammad Bilal, son of Ibrahim.
SSP District Central Dr Imran Khan said the suspect killed in the encounter turned out to be a key commander and active shooter of an extortion gang allegedly associated with Samad Kathiawari and Jameel Chhanga. Bilal was wanted in several cases, he allegedly played a key role in collecting extortion money for the gang and was involved in delivering extortion notes to businesses and under-construction projects.
Police said the suspect allegedly resorted to firing when extortion demands were not met. Investigators have obtained CCTV footage allegedly showing his involvement in several extortion related incidents further he had previously been arrested in multiple cases and had also spent time in jail. According to police, Bilal was allegedly involved in an attack on a sweets shop on August 10, when an extortion demand was not met. The subsequent firing left a police constable and two passers-by injured.
Police said that last month, Bilal allegedly demanded extortion from an under-construction project in Ferozabad. When the demand was not met, he allegedly opened fire at the project site. In another incident last month, an extortion demand was allegedly made to a private estate and builders firm in Gulberg. After the demanded amount was not paid, the suspect allegedly opened fire at the premises. Further during the same period, Bilal allegedly delivered extortion notes to under-construction projects in Surjani Town and Manghopir. When the demands were not met, he allegedly visited the sites and opened fire.
IGP Sindh Javed Alam Odho commended DIG West, SSP District Central and the police team, He appreciated the effective action taken by District Central Police and directed officers to ensure legal proceedings against the absconding suspects. While according to officials raids were under way to arrest the fleeing accomplice. A case has been registered and further investigation is under way.
