Islamabad police bust nine gangs, recover valuables worth Rs20 million

ISLAMABAD: Islamabad police busted at least nine major gangs and recovered valuables worth Rs20 million during various operations.

Addressing a press conference, Islamabad Police Deputy Inspector General (DIG) Operations Muhammad Jawad Tariq said that the Robbery and Dacoity Unit (RDU) carried out extensive operations against criminals over the past weeks. These operations led to the bust of nine major gangs involved in murder, robbery, street crime and burglary.

According to the DIG, 20 dangerous suspects were arrested during these operations and 36 cases were resolved involving serious crimes including bank robberies, street crimes, home burglaries and abduction-related murders.

He said that police also recovered cash, gold jewelry and other valuables worth nearly Rs20 million, many of which was returned to rightful owners.

Key Operations

Punjab Cash & Carry Robbery — Bahara Kahu

DIG Tariq said the “Saien Gang” had robbed Rs4.5 million from the Punjab Cash & Carry accountant. Police swiftly acted and arrested all gang members and recovered the entire amount, he said.

I-8 Shell Petrol Pump Robbery

The police officer said that Rs5.63 million was snatched from the manager of the Shell petrol pump in Sector I-8. Police traced and arrested the group involved and recovered the stolen money.

Friends Mega Mart, Blue Area Robbery

He said that a gang that snatched Rs3.75 million from the accounts officer of Friends Mega Mart in Blue Area was also busted. All money was recovered and returned to the owners, he said.

Robbery and Murder — Benazir Chowk, Tarnol

The police DIG said that during a robbery at a plywood shop in Tarnol, the shopkeeper was killed for resisting the gang. Investigations revealed that the gang was also involved in looting citizens withdrawing money from banks in different areas of Islamabad, including Lohai Bher, Sabzi Mandi, Abpara, Kohsar, Shahzad Town, and Ramna. Police recovered Rs3.45 million from the gang, he said.

Street Crime Gang Arrests

The police officer said that gangs involved in snatching mobile phones and cash in Shahzad Town and I-9 were also busted and Rs165,000 were recovered from the suspects.

Home Burglary Gang

He said that a gang involved in residential thefts was also busted, and jewelry and other valuables worth Rs 2.55 million were recovered.

Gang Extorting Money Outside Banks

The police officer said that a three-member gang deceiving citizens outside banks was also busted and Rs2.55 million was recovered.

Taxi Driver Abduction and Murder Case Solved

He said that police also arrested the suspects involved in the abduction and murder of taxi driver Muhammad Rasheed, who went missing from the Sumbal police jurisdiction. The suspects killed the victim in Chakwal and stole his vehicle, which police later recovered, he said.

DIG Jawad Tariq said that the Islamabad police remain committed to protecting citizens’ life and property.

“The dismantling of major criminal gangs and the recovery of stolen assets demonstrates the police’s performance restoration of public confidence,” he said adding that the police are determined to eradicate crime using modern technology and a coordinated strategy.