LAKKI MARWAT: Three outlaws and a woman were killed and two policemen, including a DSP, were wounded in a gun battle between police and a gang of criminals in Paharkhel Pakka village of Lakki Marwat on Monday night.

“After receiving information about presence of Inamullah Marwat, the kingpin of Inam Marwat gang along with his accomplices in the village, a police contingent was sent to the area,” DPO Qasim Ali Khan told journalists on Tuesday. He said policemen from Lakki and Tank districts assisted by Elite Force and Quick Response Force commandos and armoured personnel carriers took part in the operation.

“Inam Marwat gang was carrying out criminal activities in Tank and Lakki,” said DPO, adding the gang’s ringleader was a constant threat to peace in southern districts.

Flanked by DPO Tank Arif Khan, Lakki police chief said the law enforcers came under firing when they reached the rural area at night and started laying siege to the hideout of criminals. “The criminals also hurled hand grenades at the cops,” he added.

He said the operation started at around 9.30pm and concluded at 5.30 am, adding DSP Tank Khalid Mehmood and an Elite Force man, Ahmad Jan, sustained wounds in the encounter and were shifted to hospital.

“When the exchange of fire stopped policemen searched the hideout and found the bodies of Inam Marwat, Mursaleen and Bilqiaz,” said Qasim Ali, adding body of a woman was also found from a room from where the criminals attacked the law enforcers.

Mr Qasim said the cops also seized three SMG rifles and ammunition from the place. He said the killed outlaws were wanted by Tank police in a number of cases. He said Inam Marwat was wanted in 42 cases, including an attack on a passenger coach last year wherein 11 passengers were killed.

Published in Dawn, January 29th, 2020