Two 'robbers' killed in Sakhi Sarwar 'encounter'

Police say suspects were wanted in over 50 criminal cases Two 'robbers' killed in Sakhi Sarwar 'encounter' Two alleged members of the Pallu gang were killed in an encounter with police in the Sakhi Sarwar area of Dera Ghazi Khan, while two other suspects escaped under cover of darkness, police said. The two suspects were killed by firing from their own accomplices during an exchange of gunfire. Weapons and a motorcycle were recovered from the scene, while a search operation and checkpoints were established to apprehend the fleeing suspects. Police said they received information about the presence of armed suspects at Rakh Choti Dalana in the jurisdiction of Sakhi Sarwar police station. A police team comprising the DSP Sadar, SHOs of Sakhi Sarwar, Gadai, Sadar and Dara¬hma police stations and other personnel launched an operation and pursued the suspects. An exchange of fire subsequently took place between the police and the suspects. During the encounter, two suspects managed to escape, taking advantage of the darkness. After the firing stopped, police conducted a search of the area and found two suspects lying injured. They had sustained gunshot wounds allegedly fired by their own accomplices and had died at the scene, according to police. The deceased were identified as Rafiq alias Rafee Laghari and Saddam Rohila. Police claimed that more than 17 cases had been registered against Rafiq alias Rafee Laghari at different police stations, while Saddam Rohila was allegedly wanted in more than 38 serious cases registered in various districts. Police also described him as a dangerous suspect allegedly involved in inter-district robberies. DPO Sadiq Baloch reached the scene after receiving information about the encounter and sought a briefing from police officers on the incident and the ongoing search operation. He also inspected the police operation at the site. Police have taken the recovered weapons and motorcycle into custody and initiated legal proceedings.