OKARA, Oct 11: Four robbers were shot dead on Monday in an encounter on Kutcha Pucca Road near Lalpur village, Deepalpur.

Yasin Wattoo of Darbar Ahmad Laang village along with his friend was on way to the city by his motorcycle. The two friends were intercepted by armed bandits, who snatched cash from them and also took away the bike. The matter was immediately reported to the police.

At this, Deepalpur DSP Shahid Farooq along with a heavy police contingent hastened to the spot and started chasing the outlaws. Near Lalpur village, the bandits opened fire on police when they found them getting closer. The police also returned the fire.

In the meanwhile, more police contingents reached the spot and besieged the bandits. Later, the shootout continued for about four hours. As a result, ring leader Jafar alias Jafri died instantly while Kashif alias Kashi, Rafique and Amanat alias Mani sustained serious bullet wounds. The police arrested the three injured robbers and shifted them to a local hospital where they died.

The deceased outlaws were wanted by Okara, Bahawalnagar, Kasur and Pakpattan police in a number of cases of heinous crimes. Police also recovered snatched bike, cash and illicit weapons from them. DPO Syed Zafar Abbas Bokhari and Sheikhupura Range DIG Pervaiz Rahim Rajput announced commendation certificates and prizes for the policemen.

CONDEMNED: PPP district president and MPA Muhammad Ashraf Khan Sohna has described the mutiny case against party's provincial ticket holder Maj Ijaz Shahid Mohal (retired) as revenge.