Two killed in suspected police shootouts

Constable narrowly escapes harm thanks to his bulletproof vest

RAWALPINDI:

At least two suspects were killed by the firing of their accomplices during an exchange of fire with the police in an alleged encounter with the police in the Wah Cantt area of Rawalpindi.

Fortunately, a police constable narrowly escaped harm thanks to his bulletproof jacket, though one perpetrator managed to evade capture.

In a separate incident near the Sadiqabad police station, two suspects sustained injuries and were apprehended following a shootout, while another perpetrator fled the scene. Efforts are underway to locate and apprehend the fugitive.

Authorities revealed that officers stationed at a blockade on Bajar Road signalled three individuals on a motorcycle to stop, prompting the suspects to open fire.

Constable Waqas, fortunately protected by his bulletproof gear, was targeted but remained scathed. In the ensuing exchange, two suspects fell to the bullets fired by their companions while attempting to flee.

The identity of the deceased is currently under investigation, and the stolen motorcycle used in the incident was traced back to a recent theft in Wah Cantt. The recovered weapons have been seized for further examination, and the bodies of the deceased suspects have been transferred to a local hospital for post-mortem analysis.

Shortly thereafter, another alleged encounter unfolded in the Shakriyal area under the jurisdiction of Sadiqabad police station. A security patrol attempted to halt three suspicious motorcyclists, only to be met with gunfire from the suspects.

Two gunmen sustained injuries during the exchange, while an accomplice managed to escape. The wounded suspects were swiftly taken into custody and transported to a medical facility for treatment, with the seized weapons and motorcycle undergoing forensic examination.

Senior police officials swiftly responded to the scene, commending the courageous actions of the personnel involved in confronting these perilous suspects.

Rawalpindi CPO Khalid Hamdani lauded the officers’ bravery and emphasised the ongoing efforts to identify and apprehend all individuals involved.

The CPO reiterated the commitment of law enforcement to pursue and prosecute those who endanger the lives and property of citizens and police alike, ensuring that they face the full consequences of their actions.

Published in The Express Tribune, April 8^th, 2024.