Four 'robbers' killed in gunfight

Four alleged robbers were killed while two others managed to escape during an overnight police encounter in the jurisdiction of Saddar Police Station.

A constable and another police official were injured in the exchange of fire.

Police said Elite Falcon Force personnel signalled three motorcycles carrying six suspicious men to stop near the eastern bypass close to 38-12-L. Instead of complying, the suspects opened fire on the police and attempted to flee towards the forest area near 110-7-R, where police had already set up a blockade.

Upon receiving the alert, SHO Saddar Inspector Mudassar Ghaffar and DSP Muhammad Saleem Rath reached the area with a heavy police contingent to reinforce the operation.

Shortly after, the suspects reappeared and, on spotting the police, abandoned their motorcycles and opened indiscriminate fire.

Police retaliated with what they described as "self-defence aerial firing."

When the gunfire ceased, police searched the area and found four suspects dead, allegedly killed by bullets fired by their own accomplices during the exchange. Two suspects escaped under the cover of darkness.

Constable Saqlain and another officer, Aslam, sustained injuries and were shifted to THQ Hospital for treatment. One of the deceased was identified as Sadi Ahmed, who was wanted in multiple robbery and theft cases across Sahiwal, Okara, Pakpattan and other districts.

DPO Sahiwal Muhammad Usman Tipu praised the police personnel for their bravery and directed staff to ensure the injured officers receive the best medical care. He added that a search operation was underway to track down the fleeing suspects, who will be "brought to justice soon."