Pindi reports 2 police encounters in 12 hours

Accused in child earring-snatching case re-arrested after escape

RAWALPINDI:

Two alleged police encounters took place within 12 hours in Rawalpindi. In the Dhamial Police Station area, a suspect involved in forcibly snatching gold earrings from a child was re-arrested in an injured condition after escaping from police custody, while his two accomplices managed to flee.

In another encounter in the New Town area, a suspect was injured and arrested after an exchange of fire, while his accomplice escaped.

According to police officials, a suspect named Zeeshan, who had snatched gold earrings from the ears of a three- to four-year-old girl playing in a street in Ashraf Colony a few days ago, had been arrested and the stolen earrings recovered. The suspect was being taken last night for further recovery and identification of evidence when he escaped from police custody.

Police pursued him, and upon receiving information about his presence with accomplices at a location, a raid was conducted. The three suspects opened fire on the police team, and during the crossfire, Zeeshan was injured and re-arrested, while the two suspects escaped.

A weapon was also recovered from the injured suspect.

Senior police officers reached the spot upon receiving information about the encounter.

A search operation was launched to arrest the fleeing suspects, and the injured suspect was shifted to the hospital. Police said the arrested suspect is also involved in a kidnapping case and is a habitual offender.

The second encounter occurred in the New Town area, where a police team attempted to stop occupants of a suspicious car.

Two suspects opened fire, and during the exchange, a suspect named Adnan was injured and arrested, while his accomplice escaped.

A weapon was recovered from the arrested suspect, and a bullet also struck Constable Umair, who remained safe due to wearing a bulletproof jacket.

The police recovered a car that had been stolen from the New Town area two months ago.