Two dacoits, hostage retired cop killed

Former official Rao Shahid attempted to overpower one of the robbers

OKARA:

Two suspected robbers and a retired sub-inspector were killed in a hostage situation in the city on Sunday.

The incident took place in broad daylight.

A heavy contingent from the B-Division police station reached the scene.

A spokesman for police said personnel from the Dolphin Force on duty near Basti Mehar attempted to stop suspicious motorcycle riders, who fled.

The Dolphin Force officers pursued the suspects, who then entered the house of retired police sub-inspector Rao Shahid, taking him and his children hostage at gunpoint.

The police cordoned off the area and an exchange of gunfire ensued between the robbers and police.

During the confrontation, Sub-Inspector (retd) Rao Shahid, while being held hostage, attempted to overpower one of the robbers.

The robbers shot him, causing severe injuries, and tried to flee. In the ensuing crossfire, both robbers were killed.

The injured sub-inspector succumbed to his wounds en route to hospital.

DSP Meher Muhammad Yusuf revealed that an identity card was found from the pocket of one of the dead bandits, identifying him as Irshad, a resident of 16/14 L Kasowal.

The identity of the other deceased bandit remains unknown. An FIR has been registered based on a complaint by B-Division Police Station SHO Riaz Bhatti.

The bodies of the robbers have been sent to a hospital for post-mortem.

Published in The Express Tribune, May 20^th, 2024.