A series of daring armed robberies shook Shahr-e-Quaid as unidentified suspects targeted petrol pump staff in separate incidents, making away with more than 10 million rupees. The incidents occurred despite the recent assumption of office by the new IG Sindh, Raja Rafat Mukhtar.
In the aftermath of his appointment, the city witnessed two major robbery incidents that involved armed suspects swiftly escaping with a substantial amount of cash in broad daylight.
One of the incidents unfolded in Shahr Quaid, falling within the jurisdiction of Orangi Town Pakistan Bazar police station. During this heist, the perpetrators fled the scene after robbing the staff of a petrol pump of a staggering sum of Rs. 80 lakh.
A second robbery transpired in Ibrahim Hydari, where the suspects targeted a hotel cash counter and made away with Rs. 40,000. Upon encountering resistance, the robbers resorted to opening fire, seriously injuring the hotel owner in the process.
CCTV footage of one of the robberies depicted the armed suspects attempting to intercept petrol pump employees as they exited their vehicle. As one of the employees tried to escape, a bag filled with cash dropped near the entrance. Seizing the opportunity, the suspects seized the bag and fled the scene. Interestingly, a security guard at the location chose to lock the door instead of using his firearm to counter the robbers.
SSP Kemari, Faizan Ali, remarked that the circumstances surrounding the incidents appear suspicious, prompting an investigation into the petrol pump staff’s involvement.
Another robbery unfolded at Orangi Town’s Nishan Hyder Chowk, where two suspects successfully looted three lakh rupees from the petrol pump staff. The incident occurred as the staff members were en route to the bank to deposit the money.
The consecutive robbery incidents have raised concerns about the security situation in Shahr-e-Quaid and underscore the urgent need for enhanced law enforcement measures to curb such criminal activities.
