LAHORE, Sept 14: Two alleged robbers and a liquor smuggler were killed in two “encounters” here on Wednesday. The alleged robbers were killed by police near Rohi Nullah in Burki. SP Masood Aziz said he sent a police team to the area for the recovery of some stolen cattle. “When the police team reached near Rohi, it spotted five men looting vehicles and passersby.”

The SP said the armed outlaws also intercepted the police team and “opened fire when they realized their mistake. The police retaliated, which resulted in the killing of two outlaws, while their other accomplices managed their escape”.

One of the dead outlaws was identified as Aashiq alias Achu, while nothing was found to establish the identity of the other alleged robber.

On checking record, the police found that the same gang had opened fire on two policemen some days ago. Of them, one is under treatment at a local hospital where his condition is stated to be precarious.

Achu is said to be a history-sheeter in the police record, who has been declared a proclaimed offender in 35 cases of dacoity, robbery and other crimes in Lahore and Kasur.

Meanwhile, an alleged smuggler was killed in a “shootout” with Pakistan Rangers near Pakistan-India border at Batapur.

The rangers officials said they intercepted three men as they crossed into this side of the border. The rangers opened fire when the three men tried to flee back to the Indian side.

Two of the intruders managed their escape, while the third suffered bullet injuries and died on the spot. He was identified as Maqbool Ahmad. The rangers seized 46 liquor bottles from his belongings.