LAHORE: The Dolphin Squad personnel were again accused of showing “unprofessional approach” as four passersby, including two children, were injured during an ‘encounter’ in Sabzazar area here on Thursday.

It is being alleged that the citizens -- Abid Ali, his daughter Fiza (8), son Ayan (10) and a young passerby Irfan – got injured when the squad personnel resorted to firing on “fleeing robbers”.

The injured were rushed to hospital where the condition of Abid is said to be serious.

A shopkeeper Arif told the media persons that he saw the Dolphin Squad personnel chasing two suspects riding a motorbike near Saidpur Stop. He said the police opened fire on the crowded road, leaving the four passersby, including two children, injured. The suspected robbers managed to escape.

However, in the wake of the incident, the police lodged a case against the four unidentified “robbers” on the complaint of one of the injured, Irfan.

The FIR stated that the “robbers” held the complainant at gunpoint and looted his cash and mobile phone.

It stated the Dolphin Squad personnel who were patrolling in the area challenged the robbers who opened fire on them, injuring four persons.

But some locals and the relatives of the injured persons held the Dolphin Squad responsible for the injuries.

A fortnight earlier, on May 29, a 15-year-old-boy, Saleem, was allegedly shot dead in an armed encounter between some suspects and the Dolphin Squad personnel in Badami Bagh area.

The witnesses had alleged that the boy died in the firing of the policemen who were witnessed shooting the suspects from a moving bike.

The police authorities had claimed that the death occurred in the firing by the suspects.

The incident had raised questions on the training and professional competence of the Dolphin Squad personnel who had allegedly resorted to firing in a crowded street.

Published in Dawn, June 15th, 2018