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Wednesday October 30, 2024

Gang behind bank van heist and guard’s murder arrested

By Shakeel Anjum
August 30, 2024
Islamabad Police officials during a check point in the city on November 22, 2023. — Facebook/Islamabad Police
Islamabad Police officials during a check point in the city on November 22, 2023. — Facebook/Islamabad Police

Islamabad: The Federal Capital Police have successfully apprehended a highly organized gang responsible for the robbery of a private bank van in Farash Town, which resulted in the tragic killing of a security guard.

In less than 40 hours following the crime, police arrested three gang members, including their leader, and recovered Rs19.7 million in stolen cash, two vehicles, and several weapons with ammunition. During a press conference held at Rescue 15 on Thursday, Deputy Inspector General (DIG) Dr. Syed Mustafa Tanweer provided details of the swift and effective operation. The suspects, led by Mir Rizwan Qureshi, were involved in a violent robbery that left one security guard dead and another injured. The other arrested accomplices were identified as Naeem Bahadur, Muhammad Riaz Awan, and Muhammad Arslan Arif. Notably, Naeem Bahadur is also wanted in connection with multiple robbery cases in Karachi.

According to DIG Tanweer, this gang has been involved in inter-provincial criminal activities, with numerous cases registered against them across different provinces. The police recovered a significant amount of stolen cash, vehicles used in the crime, and various weapons with ammunition.

Inspector General of Police Islamabad, Syed Ali Nasir Rizvi, immediately formed multiple police teams led by DIG Tanweer, including officers from SSP Operations, SP Investigation, and the Anti-Robbery Unit.

These teams employed advanced investigative techniques and resources, resulting in the swift apprehension of the suspects. Efforts are ongoing to capture two additional gang members still at large. The DIG highlighted that CCTV footage clearly shows the suspects firing during the robbery.