HAFIZABAD, Dec 19: A cattle-lifter was killed on Friday in an encounter near Kot Nakka police post, some 30 miles from here.

Police sources said unidentified criminals were taking away cattle from the pen of Naseer in Mahalwali village in the limits of Khanqan Dogran police station. Near Kot Nakka police post, some children playing there raised an alarm on suspicion. The accused opened fire to create panic. A police volunteer present there challenged them, but the accused shot at and injured him.

On receiving information, a police contingent hastened to the spot and besieged the area. The accused hid themselves nearby cane fields when police asked them to give themselves up, but they opened fire on them. The police returned the fire, killing one of the cattle-lifters instantly while the rest beat a retreat. The injured volunteer was admitted to Pindi Bhattian RHC. Police recovered two stolen animals and a 12 bore gun from the spot.

Police are looking into the matter.—APP