VEHARI, Feb 21: Three robbers, including the ring-leader, were shot dead while three Elite force men suffered injuries in an encounter at Chak 269-EB, Burewala tehsil, on Wednesday.

Vehari DPO Malik Tassadaq Hayat told newsmen at the Burewala ASP office that five robbers plundered cash from some traders of Pakpattan area of Chak Baidi police station and entered Burewala tehsil from Jamlera Town.

Led by information, the DPO said he formed a police party, headed by Burewala ASP Dr Masroor Alam Kolachi, which launched hunt. Near Chak 269-EB, the gangsters opened fire on the police who retaliated and an encounter ensued.

After an hour-long shootout, three robbers were killed while the other two made good their escape. Two of the deceased were identified as Riasat alias Riasti and Abrar alias Abree. The DPO said three Elite force jawans were injured during the shootout and they were admitted to the THQ hospital, Burewala.

Two passersby Muhammad Tariq and Abid Husain were earlier injured by the robbers when the Pakpattan police tried to stop them.

According to the DPO, these robbers were proclaimed offenders and six police stations in Pakpattan wanted them for their involvement in many cases of heinous crime. They were also involved in kidnap of inspector Rana Saeed.