Same group involved in Karachi targeted killings: sources

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GEO NEWS
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Same group involved in Karachi targeted killings: sources

KARACHI: The targeted killings, including one of DSP Traffic Faiz Shigri, which shocked the city on Sunday were all carried out by a single group, investigating sources hinted on Monday.

Unidentified killers seemed free to roam around the city on Sunday as they targeted three people and got away with relative ease.

Those targeted included a citizen named Sajid in Kaneez Fatima Society; DSP Traffic Faiz Shigri in Gulistan e Jauhar Block 16, with a difference of three hours; the attackers then opened fire at the vehicle of DSP Gulberg near Samama Shopping Center on University Road, in next half-an-hour.

Fortunately, no one died in the wake of third incident as the attackers fired two gunshots, but were forced to flee due to retaliatory fire by duty policemen.

The assailants fired 17 bullets at the vehicle of DSP Shigri, out of which 14 hit the target. They were riding on 2-3 motorcycles, however, an eye witness said they rode on four bikes, while one of the perpetrators had spectacles on.

The unknown hitmen stopped by a hotel while fleeing, where they chanted slogans and fired two more shots in the air, the report stated. Officials found 19 bullet casings from both the places.

Investigating sources said on Monday that apparently a single group was involved in the killings.

A case pertaining to the murder of DSP Faiz Shigri has been lodged with the Counter Terrorism Department (CTD) police station in Garden.

The funeral prayers for the slain police officer were held at Police Headquarters Garden, which were attended by Sindh CM Murad Ali Shah, DG Rangers and other high-ups.

In September, assailants targeted and killed a Sub Inspector (SI) of the Traffic Department near Five Star Chowrangi. Earlier in May two policemen had been gunned down while performing duties near Ayesha Manzil. In earlier incidents the assailants had fled with the policemen's official issued weapon.

The menace of target killing has plagued Karachi for years; at its worst multiple people were being killed in the city in a single day. While the frequency has been controlled by the ongoing operation in Karachi and through efforts of law enforcement agencies, the menace remains.

The CPLC confirmed to Geo.tv, that till the 14th of November, 430 people had been killed in the city. The fewest number of people were killed in March when 29 people lost their lives and the most number of people were killed in June when attackers silenced 50 lives.