BAHAWALPUR, June 2: Police on Monday claimed to have killed a notorious proclaimed offender in a brief encounter near Israni railway station, about 40 kilometres from here.

In a press release, the district police said that a police party headed by SI Pervez Iqbal spotted three persons riding on a motorcycle. As the police signalled them to stop, the motorcyclists opened fire on them. The police also returned the fire, injuring one of the culprits seriously. However, the rest of his accomplices managed to escape from the scene. The injured culprit died while being shifted to Khairpur Tamewali hospital. The deceased was identified as Abdul Aziz alias Aziza of Kote Kora police station, Kehror Pucca.

Police claimed that Abdul Aziz was wanted in 48 cases of murder, dacoity, hudood, theft and kidnap for ransom by police of Bahawalpur, Lodhran and Vehari districts. The deceased had started his criminal activities in 1985. Police said that efforts were being made to arrest two fleeing accomplices of Aziz.

HOTTEST DAY: The city experienced the hottest day on Monday as the mercury shot up to 45 degrees Celsius.