Uphill battles: Police struggle to catch 5 proclaimed offenders

Chakwal and Jhelum police have called in air support to finally arrest the accused.

CHAKWAL: Five proclaimed offenders were killed by police officials in an armed encounter near the Pir Chambel village on Sunday morning.

According to police officials, over 10 accused kidnapped the security in-charge of the Gharibwall cement factory and two servants and took them to a hilly area near the salt range.

Jhelum police started pursuing the accused and later Chakwal police rushed to the spot and conducted a joint operation encounter. “We called in for help and we had air support to pursue the men,’” said resident police officer (RPO) captain M Zubair.

An army aviation helicopter was also called to assist the police. Five accused have been killed so far and the police encounter continued till Sunday night.

“The criminals have put up resistance and several local villagers are supporting them,” Zubair said. The bodies of the accused have been shifted to Gharibwall cement factory.

RPO Zubair, district police officer (DPO) Chakwal and DPO Jhelum have also joined the police teams and are supervising the operation. According to the police, this area has been a safe haven for criminals and proclaimed offenders due to the hilly terrain which makes it hard to navigate.

“We are trying our best to arrest these men once and for all,” the RPO said.

Published in The Express Tribune, November 14^th,  2011.