Three extortionists were arrested by Rangers and the Special Investigation Unit (SIU) of Karachi police after an operation in the Garden area of Karachi, sources said on Monday.

According to a statement by the Rangers spokesperson, the operation was carried out after receiving credible intelligence.

The statement said the suspects opened fire on law enforcement personnel during the operation. In a retaliatory action, three extortionists were apprehended in an injured condition.

The arrested individuals have been identified as Basit Hussain alias Shah Rukh, Abdul Samad, and Mohammad Taha alias Maya.

The suspects are linked to various extortion mafia groups, including those of Wasi Allah Lakho, Jameel Changa, and Abdul Samad Kathiawari.

These suspects were responsible for providing key information on builders, owners of medical stores, restaurants, and shops to extortion gangs.

Based on the information shared by the suspects, traders were subsequently threatened with extortion demands.

The Rangers’ spokesperson revealed that CCTV footage showed suspects firing in incidents in the New Karachi and Nazimabad areas.

Basit Hussain, one of the arrested suspects, has a criminal record and has previously served time in prison.

Weapons and other evidence were recovered from the suspects, who have been handed over to the police for further legal action.