Four alleged extortionists were arrested in a joint operation by Sindh Rangers and the Police’s Special Investigations Unit (SIU) in the Golimar area of Karachi, officials said on Monday.

During the operation, the suspects opened fire on law enforcement personnel.

In the ensuing exchange of fire, four suspects were apprehended, two of them in injured condition.

Two law enforcement officials also sustained injuries, according to a Rangers spokesperson.

The arrested individuals have been identified as Rashid, also known as Chachu; Abdul Haq, also known as Doctor; Waleed, also known as Dada; and Muaz, also known as Alert Bacha.

Authorities recovered weapons and a large quantity of drugs from their possession.

The spokesperson added that Rashid and Abdul Haq are linked to the Jameel Changa and Abdul Samad Kathiawari extortion networks, Waleed is connected to a Lyari-based drug syndicate, and Muaz belongs to the Lyari gangster Arshad Pappu group.

The suspects reportedly provided information about builders and other businessmen to extortion mafia bosses and were involved in firing to intimidate victims when extortion demands were not met.

The arrested suspects have been handed over to the police for legal proceedings.