SHEIKHUPURA, Dec 31: Syedwala police killed a proclaimed offender involved in killing of 16 people, including an SHO and a constable, in an ‘encounter’ in Thatha Runera village, some 90kms from here on Saturday.

Nazar alias Nazru Sahi, the ring leader of a horse-riding gang, was carrying a headmoney of Rs1 million. However, his six accomplices managed to escape from the scene.

Nankana DPO Zulfiqar Hameed said the police got an information that the PO and his accomplices were present in their hideout. At this, a police party led by DSP Rai Zameerul Haq reached there and besieged the area. Seeing police, the culprits opened fire which was returned. As a result, PO Nazar alias Nazru Sahi died on the spot while his accomplices disappeared in thick forest on four horses. The police recovered a Kalashnikov, two hand-grenades and a costly mare.

The DPO said that his two accomplices Khalid alias Khalu and Mansha Sahi had also been killed in an encounter some one month ago.

He said the deceased PO had on Oct 24 last killed Syedwala SHO Muhammad Saeed Chaudhry and constable Farooq. He said the PO was involved in 31 heinous crimes, including murder, attempt to murder, dacoity, robbery, rape and kidnap for ransom.

The DPO said the deceased PO and his accomplices were wanted by Sheikhupura, Okara, Nankana Sahib, Faisalabad and police of other districts.

The DPO said that three teams had been constituted for the early arrest of the absconding POs.

Meanwhile, Punjab IGP Maj Ziaul Hassan Khan (retired) and Sheikhupura DIG Pervez Rahim Rajpoot appreciated the Syedwala police and announced to give them cash prizes and commendation certificates.