Security officials display arms siezed during an operation in Lyari, Karachil —ONLINE/File photo

KARACHI Notorious Karachi criminal Rehman Dakait was killed late Sunday by Karachi Police, along with his three accomplices. Clashes erupted during his funeral procession on Monday, leading to two deaths and eight injuries, DawnNews reported.

Rehman was reportedly involved in over 80 criminal cases and was a central figure in the gang wars of Lyari - one of the most populous and oldest localities of Karachi.

Rehman and his three accomplices were killed in an exchange of fire with the police.

According to police statements, Rehman's car was stopped for a routine vehicle late Sunday, which the dacoits tried to escape, forcing the police to open fire.

Abdul Rehman alias Rehman Dakait was wanted by police in over 80 cases and was involved in heinous crimes including kidnapping for ransom and murder.

A massive police operation against Rehman and other criminals of Lyari had been launched by Karachi Police.

Capital City Police Officer (CCPO) Karachi Waseem Ahmed told reporters that the killing of the notorious gang-leader was a major achievement for the Karachi Police.

While the police claim the operation was a success, and that there is now one less dangerous criminal on the streets, residents in Rehman's neighbourhood expressed an entirely different opinion.

Locals told DawnNews that Rehman had done for them what 'no MPA or MNA had done,' having set up a hospital, a school, a madrassah and an ambulance service in Lyari. Others added that during Eid, he had handed out 'flour and ghee' to the poor.

As such it came as no surprise that his funeral was heavily attended, and police sources told DawnNews that the procession itself came under fire. As a result two people lost their lives and eight others were injured.

Police sources said the violence centered in Baldia no. 3, Pak Colony and Golimar. In addition, a dozen men had been arrested from Shah Faisal police station limits.

DawnNews reported that Rehman was believed to be the leader of a gang which was locked in a bitter turf war with rivals for control over Lyari. Experts fear that far from reducing violence, his death could see an escalation, as others vie for control of his organisation.