Cop, bystander killed in encounter

An elite force personnel and a passerby woman were killed in retaliatory firing between the police and wanted criminals in the Makarwal police station area, while three men, including SHO Makarwal, sustained serious injuries.

The SHO of Makarwal police station received a tip-off about the wanted criminals involved in case number 131/22 for crimes 302/148/149. The criminals were identified as TP Mohibullah, Abdul Razzaq, and Imtiaz Atta Mohammad.

The suspects were also involved in other criminal activities and were currently hiding in the hills of Gula Khel within the limits of Makarwal police station.

Acting on the information, Sub-Inspector Liaquat Rasool, along with a police party and an elite team, conducted a raid at the site.

Upon sighting the police, the criminals opened fire with heavy weapons. In response, the police party took defensive positions and retaliated.

During the exchange of fire, Head Constable of SEG Rawalpindi Elite Police Mohammad Ali, was martyred, and SHO Makarwal Sub-Inspector Liaquat Rasool, Constable Saeed SEG Rawalpindi, Constable Aamir Majeed, and Constable Ijazul Haq were injured by the criminals' gunfire.

The accused managed to escape from the spot, taking advantage of the hilly terrain and bushes.

Subsequently, the Crime Scene Unit and PFSA teams arrived at the location to collect evidence. DPO Mianwali, Mateeullah Khan, promptly reached the spot with a heavy contingent upon receiving information about the incident.

Additional personnel and elite teams were called in from other police stations and police lines to assist. The police cordoned off the area and initiated a search operation for the accused.

The body of Mohammad Ali was shifted to the nearby RHC Kamar Mashani for post-mortem, while the injured officials were taken for treatment.

After the operation, a search of the crime scene revealed that a woman named Iran Bibi was also shot and killed by the accused.

Published in The Express Tribune, August 3^rd, 2023.