Two bothers killed in encounter
A security forces convoy was the target of the blast. PHOTO: REUTERS/ FILE
Two brothers suspected of having murdered an 18-year-old girl and a 24-year-old man after robbing a milk shop in Shahdara have been killed in a police encounter.
The victim, Aniqa Maseeh, was returning home after shopping with her father for her marriage scheduled after Eid. Her father had been injured in the incident.
Reportedly, the police had set up a checkpoint at Jada Ghatti, where they signaled the two motorcyclists to stop.
However, the suspects resorted to firing and the police retaliated.
Both the suspects died of bullet injuries during the exchange of fire.
They were later identified as Abbas and Ali Haider.
The suspects allegedly were found involved in the murder of over five people, including a head constable, during robberies.
Initial investigations revealed that they also shot a constable, Mehmood Ali, and snatched his official rifle.
Three days back, the suspects had robbed the milk shop of Gogay Butt.
While fleeing, they had resorted to firing, leaving two people including Aniqa dead and her father injured.
They had also snatched a motorcycle and injured two boys a few days earlier.
According to police officials, the suspects known as Toppi Gang had also snatched cash from a citizen near a bakery and injured him.
The rifle, a motorbike and a pistol were recovered from their possession.
According to the police, a number of local residents raised celebratory slogans after the encounter.
Published in The Express Tribune, April 9th, 2024.