SAHIWAL: An outlaw was killed during an alleged encounter with the police after being hit by the firing of his own accomplices near Naseerabad late on Sunday, City police said.

During the operation, police rescued Muhammad Ashraf and Muhammad Ashfaq, who had been found tied up in a nearby potato field. The dacoits had robbed them of their cash, mobile phones, and motorcycles.

Police registered a case under sections 302, 324, 353, 186, 392, 411, and 427 of the Pakistan Penal Code (PPC) and section 13-2(a) of the Punjab Arms Amendment Ordinance-2015 on the complaint of Muhammad Waqar, City sub-inspector.

Reports said a police mobile van responded to an emergency call about three outlaws looting citizens at a makeshift picket on the outer road of Mohalla Naseerabad. Upon arrival, the outlaws opened fire on the police.

The ensuing shootout lasted for 20 minutes, after which police discovered the body of an outlaw dressed in a blue tracksuit. Recovered items included a 12-bore pump-action shotgun, Rs20,000, CNICs, two mobile phones, and a motorcycle.

Police claimed that the two remaining accomplices fled the scene.

ARRESTED: On a neighbour’s complaint, Fateh Sher police arrested Shahid Rafiq and his wife Mukhtarain Bibi for allegedly beating and dragging Shahid’s mother, Rukhsana, into the courtyard of their house.

Reports said Rukhsana’s husband had passed away, and she had been living with her son and daughter-in-law. Shahid allegedly grabbed his mother by the hair and dragged her into the courtyard, while his wife assaulted her.

Police, upon being alerted, arrived at the scene and rescued the elderly woman. Neighbours reported that the couple occasionally assaulted the elderly woman.

KIDNAPPING: Unidentified gunmen kidnapped a man from Harrapa level crossing on Sunday night. The Harrapa police later discovered the man’s motorcycle abandoned in nearby fields.

Police registered a case on the complaint of his elder brother, Sarfraz Sultan.

According to the report, Muhammad Riaz, of village 189/9-L, had travelled to Harrapa Town to purchase medicine. While returning home, he was kidnapped. Despite efforts, police have been unable to track down the kidnappers.

Published in Dawn, February 25th, 2025