SAHIWAL, April 20: Chichawatni police claimed on Wednesday to have arrested two hardened criminals, who along with five others managed their escape from Chichawatni Saddar police lockup, at Pakhee Mor near Vehari city.

On Monday morning, seven criminals -- four nominated in kidnap for ransom cases and three in murder cases – had run away from Chichawatni Saddar police lockup by cutting iron rods.

After the incident, seven police officials, including SHO Allah Ditta, were booked for negligence under FIR 190/11.

Sahiwal DPO Muhammad Ayaz Saleem had formed two teams, headed by as many DSPs, for arresting the escaped criminals. One of the teams, led by DSP Mukhtar Ahmed, on Wednesday arrested Yousaf and Nawaz from Pakhee Mor, Vehari, through mobile phone tracking technology.

Talking to Dawn, Kasowal SHO Qalb-e-Abbas said: “We are tracking all mobile phones which are being used by relatives of the criminals.”

DPO Ayaz Saleem said both the teams were vigilant and would hopefully arrest the other five outlaws shortly. He said seven police officials, including Allah Ditta, had been sent on judicial remand.

DIRECTIVE: No department especially Sui Northern Gas Pipelines Limited, PTCL, and TMA can dig up newly-constructed roads without prior permission of the divisional authority, says a directive issued by Commissioner Qazi Muhammad Ashfaq.

The directive has been issued for Pakpattan and Arifwala tehsils of the district.