KARACHI, June 9: A suspected extortionist was shot dead and his accomplice was wounded in an encounter in North Nazimabad on Wednesday. Two policemen also suffered bullet wounds. Police said an owner of a towel factor, Burhanuddin requested the police for help, as he was being threatened for life if he did not pay Rs500,000.

After the application, a joint team of police and representatives of Citizen-Police Liaison Committee was formed to investigate into the matter and apprehend the alleged extortionists.

The CPLC central chief, Murad Ali Soni told Dawn thatMr Sabir had received an extortion call a few days back and demanded Rs500,000. He informed the police station and the CPLC.

Finally, a deal was struck at Rs300,000 and the place for delivering the cash was decided at Do-minute chowrangi in North Karachi. Police said two young men on a motorcycle, came to the spot, who were handed over the cash by the towel factory owner.

However, police and the CPLC team appeared, and directed the alleged extortionists to surrender. Instead, the motorcyclists tried to flee, resorting to firing, which ensued an exchange of fire.

As a result of the encounter, one of the suspects, later identified as Ali, resident of Gulshan-i-Iqbal, was killed on the spot. His accomplice Muhammad Ahmed, resident of Surjani Town, was wounded. The dead and injured were taken to hospital.

Two policemen, Haider and Arif were also shot and wounded during the crossfire. Police said two TT pistols and a stolen motorcycle besides the extortion money were recovered from their possession.

SHOT DEAD: A young man was shot dead by unknown persons in Lines Area on Wednesday. Police said Muhammad Hataf, 45, was shot dead by unknown persons at Nizami Road, Lines Area. The victim was a recruiting agent and suspects shot him after an exchange of words, police added.