Suspect killed in police encounter

Police say another ‘bandit’ managed to escape

RAWALPINDI:

In a deadly exchange of gunfire with Dolphin Squad personnel, an alleged mugger was killed while his accomplice managed to escape by jumping off the Swan Bridge within the jurisdiction of the Morgah Police Station on Wednesday.

According to eyewitnesses, the incident occurred when two bandits on a motorcycle tried to mug a family exiting a fuel station near the said bridge.

Just as the Dolphin Force patrol reached the scene, the bandits unleashed a barrage of bullets to evade imminent capture. However, in the ensuing fight, a fatal bullet struck one of the muggers in the head, ending his life on the spot. Seizing the opportunity amidst the thick foliage, the other accomplice managed to flee, they said.

Upon receiving reports of the incident, Operations SSP Captain (retd) Muhammad Amir Khan Niazi along with SP Potohar Muhammad Waqas Khan arrived at the scene, accompanied by Rescue 1122 teams.

With the assistance of ropes, the rescue personnel extricated the robber's body from the drain and transported it to the District Headquarters Hospital (DHQ). According to a spokesperson for the police, the deceased bandit has been identified as Basit. He said a search operation under way to apprehend the fleeing suspect.

Published in The Express Tribune, June 15^th, 2023.