RAWALPINDI: Police have arrested a suspect after exchange of gunfire with him and his accomplices in the Banni police area on Tuesday. The suspect’s two accomplices managed to escape from the scene.

The encounter started when police signalled motorcycle riders to stop at a checkpoint. Instead of stopping, the riders opened fire on police.

Police retaliated which resulted into injuries to one of the suspects while his two accomplices managed to escape.

Police said the injured identified as Asad was arrested and shifted to the hospital amid tight security.

Preliminary investigation suggested that the suspect was involved in several robberies and motorcycle snatching incidents.

A motorcycle stolen by the suspect last month was also recovered by police.

Earlier on Monday night, another encounter took place between police and a gang of robbers.

A police party had set out to arrest accomplices of the gang leader, who was arrested earlier.

A raid was conducted in Dhoke Mahi Sarwar on the identification of the gang leader but police faced strong retaliation from the suspects; they opened fire at the police party.

The gang leader received injuries and was shifted to the hospital for treatment, police said, adding he has a history of crimes and was involved in a robbery in Morgah.

Police have launched a search operation in the area to arrest his accomplices.

Published in Dawn, May 5th, 2021