Sargodha police wounded alleged extortion ringleader Inam Wains in a Kot Momin encounter, foiling reported plans to extort a petrol pump owner, while 3 suspects remain at large.
WEBDESK – MEDIABITES
SARGODHA: Alleged extortion ringleader Inam Wains was wounded, and an accomplice was killed in a police operation in Kot Momin tehsil. The operation was reportedly planned in secret and led personally by Sargodha District Police Officer Tauqeer Muhammad Naeem.
According to sources, Wains came to Kot Momin with 2 objectives: to target a police official and to collect extortion money from the owner of a PSO petrol station in Lalliani.
The alleged plot
Wains reportedly set off from Kot Addu with his associates in 2 vehicles. He rode in a double-cabin pickup, and the others followed in a second vehicle as backup.
Sources claim that if the petrol pump owner refused to pay, the group planned to attack the station with a rocket launcher or hand grenade to spread fear.
DPO’s private network
Sources say information about Wains’ movements reached DPO Naeem through his personal network. Police then formed 3 teams in strict secrecy. Officers were not told the real target and were briefed on an operation against a different proclaimed offender.
The team led by the DPO allegedly fired on the pickup and wounded Wains. He reportedly tried to throw a hand grenade, but the attempt failed and the grenade stayed in his hand. The DPO personally identified him at the scene, sources said.
Suspects on the run
Faisal Budhaika was killed in the operation. A second man named Faisal and his guard escaped. Suspects Adnan Hassan, alias Dano, and Waqas Budhaika were also reportedly present and fled. Police have launched a search operation.
Alleged extortion network
Sources allege that Wains collected millions of rupees from dozens of people. The money was reportedly moved abroad through a cousin and sent back via hundi. The network had caused widespread fear among Sargodha’s business community.
Sources say 3 key members of the group are still at large.
