Suspect killed, cop injured in encounter

Police say deceased was robber, drug peddler

VEHARI:

A suspected drug dealer was killed after injuring a police constable in an encounter in Machhiwal.

The injured constable was shifted to the Vehari DHQ Hospital in a critical condition.

According to a police spokesperson, the suspect Abdul Jabbar was spotted on a motorcycle along with an accomplice and the Eagle Squad of the police tried to stop him.

However, the suspects escaped and hid in nearby corn fields after firing at the police.

Constable Iftikhar was injured as a result of the firing.

After the incident, DPO Muhammad Isa Khan reached the spot and called reinforcement from across the district. The personnel from several police stations cordoned off the fields.

The suspect was killed during an ensuing exchange of fire, the spokesman said.

Officials said the deceased had fired at the Machhiwal police station four days ago and was nominated in several cases of robbery and drug peddling.

Published in The Express Tribune, April 22^nd, 2024.