DERA GHAZI KHAN: South Punjab Additional IG Dr Ehsan Sadiq has paid rich tributes to the police officers and jawan who fought bravely in two encounters against highwaymen on Friday night.

The shootouts that took place in riverine area of Rajanpur district and in the jurisdiction of Muhammadpur police station left three highwaymen dead and another injured who was arrested.

Police received information on Nov 23 that the dacoits who had taken shelter in the riverine area were planning to attack Bahar Machi police post. The Rajanpur police chief took immediate notice and moved teams under his command.

During a shootout, ‘notorious bandit’ Khuda Bakhsh Lound, carrying Rs1.8 million head money, was killed ‘by the bullets’ of his accomplices whereas five others were injured. Four police constables also received injuries.

In another incident in Muhammadpur, Jampur tehsil, highwaymen snatched a motorcycle from a citizen and fled away.

After receiving information, the police immediately chased the accused. Upon seeing the police, the fleeing accused opened indiscriminate fire which left constable Naveed injured. Three highwaymen were also critically injured who were identified as Faraz, Zahid and Farooq.

Later Faraz and Zahid succumbed to their injuries while Farooq was admitted to a hospital in a critical condition.

The three highwaymen were wanted by police in several cases.

Published in Dawn, November 27th, 2022