Extortion gang's key commander killed in Karachi police encounter

An alleged key commander of an extortion gang was killed in an exchange of fire with police in Karachi's North Nazimabad area, police said on Wednesday.

According to the District Central police, the encounter took place on the main road near Abdullah College in Block U, where police exchanged fire with suspected extortionists. One suspect was killed while his accomplice managed to escape.

The deceased was identified as Muhammad Bilal. Police recovered a 9mm pistol, a loaded magazine, 10 live rounds and two mobile phones from his possession.

The police described Bilal as key commander and active shooter of the extortion group allegedly run by Samad Kathiawari and Jameel Chhanga. He was allegedly involved in firing at businesses and construction projects to spread fear and collect extortion money.

The police said that they had obtained CCTV footage of several alleged extortion incidents involving Bilal.

According to the police, Bilal was allegedly involved in firing at a sweets shop in NKIA on August 10 after the extortion demand was not met. A police official and two passers-by were injured in the firing.

The police also alleged that Bilal had demanded extortion from an under-construction project in Ferozabad and, after the demand was not met, opened fire at the site.

A case has been registered over the latest encounter, while raids are under way to arrest his fleeing accomplice.