KARACHI: Police have arrested the alleged mastermind behind the theft of dozens of mobile phones from girls invited to a farmhouse in Gadap Town for job interviews, officials said on Monday.
The suspect, identified as Babar alias Salman Sahil, was reportedly arrested while attempting to sell the stolen phones, according to Gadap City Police.
Police recovered 40 mobile phones and a pistol from his possession. Investigators said the suspect had fled with the devices after collecting them from the job candidates at the farmhouse.
Police sources said other suspects, including Waqas, who allegedly booked the farmhouse, and coordinator Nargis, had already been arrested in connection with the case. The investigation also revealed that Salman had allegedly used a SIM card registered in another person’s name.
The incident occurred on September 30, when 59 girls were invited to a private farmhouse in Gadap City after a job advertisement was posted on social media. They were reportedly told they would attend interviews and training for an event.
The candidates were transported to the farmhouse in two buses and instructed to hand over their mobile phones on the grounds that recording was prohibited. Salman allegedly collected the devices in a bag before fleeing with an accomplice.
The affected women subsequently approached Gadap Town police station. Police then visited the farmhouse and took its manager, Waqas, and coordinator, Nargis, into custody.
Further investigation into the incident is underway.