Two wanted suspects killed in 'CCD encounters'

Two suspected robbers wanted in dozens of criminal cases were killed in separate alleged encounters with the Crime Control Department (CCD) in Faisalabad, while their accomplices managed to escape, police said.

According to police, the first encounter took place near the Sidhupura Bridge in the jurisdiction of Ghulam Muhammadabad Police Station.

CCD Lyallpur Town In-charge Hassan Siddique Cheema and CCD Iqbal Division In-charge Ali Akram Goraya were conducting a raid to arrest proclaimed offenders and other wanted suspects when armed men allegedly opened fire on the police team.

Police said an exchange of gunfire ensued, during which Aftab alias Tabi, the alleged leader of the "Billa Gang" and a suspect wanted in multiple robbery and motorcycle-snatching cases, was critically injured by gunfire allegedly fired by his own accomplices.

He later died while being taken to hospital. His associates escaped from the scene.

In a separate incident on Talianwala Road in the jurisdiction of Razaabad Police Station, CCD SHO Farooq Nazir and his team were conducting a checkpoint when they signalled motorcycle riders to stop.