LAHORE, Sept 23: A police constable was shot at and wounded in an encounter at Ata Town in Manawan on Tuesday.

Manawan police said the Baghbanpura police SHO had informed them about an extortionist, Hasan Zaheer, alias Qaisar. The accused had snatched a vehicle from Tariq Yousuf of Batapur some days ago and had returned it after extorting Rs20,000. He had again sought more money from him and threatened him with dire consequences in case of refusal.

The police said they raided the house of the accused but he opened fire on the police party. It was returned and a cross fire ensued.

Constable Wazeer Ali suffered a bullet injury. The accused was taken into custody and the injured policeman was rushed to hospital where his condition was stated to be critical. A case was registered against the arrested accused.