7-year-old killed, 3 CCD officers injured in firefight with outlaws

Child allegedly used as human shield during exchange of fire

BHAKKAR:

A seven-year-old girl was killed and three Crime Control Department (CCD) police officers sustained serious injuries during a late-night police encounter with a proclaimed offender and his accomplices in the Kacha Shah Alam area of Mango Changar, on the outskirts of Bhakkar, police said on Sunday.

Official sources said the CCD Bhakkar team received confirmed intelligence after 2am regarding the presence of a dangerous wanted suspect, identified as Iftikhar, in the area.

Acting swiftly on the tip-off, a police contingent moved to conduct a raid. However, upon spotting the police, the suspect and his accomplices allegedly resorted to indiscriminate firing.

During the exchange of fire, Inspector Abdul Sattar Khichi, in-charge of CCD Bhakkar, sustained two bullet injuries to his arm and leg. SHO Usman Aziz was shot in the leg, while ASI Muhammad Mukhtiar suffered a gunshot wound to his foot. All three officers were seriously injured but remained conscious.

Police officials stated that the suspects, while continuing to fire, entered nearby residential houses in an apparent attempt to evade arrest.

During this chaotic situation, the suspects allegedly used a seven-year-old girl, Zahra, as a human shield.

In the course of their escape, further firing struck the child, who succumbed to her injuries on the spot.

Rescue teams shifted the injured officers and the body of the deceased girl to District Headquarters Hospital Bhakkar.

Owing to the severity of his injuries, Inspector Abdul Sattar Khichi was provided initial treatment and later referred to Lahore through a Rescue 1122 ambulance. He is currently under treatment at Services Hospital Lahore.

District Police Officer (DPO) Bhakkar Shehzad Rafiq Awan reached the scene shortly after the incident and reviewed the situation. He issued instructions to ensure the best possible medical care for the injured officers.

The DPO also conducted a detailed visit to the crime scene in the Shah Alam area, which falls under Klurkot police limits, and directed officers to preserve evidence and expedite the investigation. Police authorities said the proclaimed offender Iftikhar is wanted by police in several districts and has been involved in serious crimes, including robbery and attempted murder.