Two suspects killed in 'police encounter'

Murder suspects allegedly escaped after associates attacked police team

RAWALPINDI:

Two suspects involved in a murder and attempted murder case were killed in an alleged police encounter after escaping from police custody when their accomplices attacked a police team in the Rawat police precincts.

According to police, the Heavy Investigation Unit (HIU), a cell active in probing serious crimes, was taking two arrested suspects, identified as Abad and Ashfaq, for recovery of the murder weapon and identification of locations linked to a four-month-old case involving the killing of a security guard and injuries to others in Rawat.

The five-member police team, led by Inspector Feroze, was near Mughal Pari in Rawat Industrial Estate when armed men riding in a car and motorcycles attacked the police party.

After intense resistance, the attackers managed to free both suspects, who escaped from custody.

As soon as information about the incident reached City Police Officer Rawalpindi Khalid Hamdani, he took notice of the matter and directed Saddar SP Anam Sher, who reached the spot immediately, to trace the suspects. Police imposed checkpoints across the district following the escape.

During the search operation, police in the Sadr Beruni area received information that five men travelling in a car were attempting to snatch a vehicle.