SAHIWAL, April 25: Three alleged proclaimed offenders on Thursday morning escaped from police custody when they were being shifted to Harrapa police station.

Dera Rahim police of Sahiwal, on the orders of the court, brought Maqbool alias Qooli, Raza Qasim and Muhammad Rafiq into custody from the Kasur Saddar police station for investigation.

The Sahiwal SSP assigned the investigation to Harrapa police station.

On Thursday, the Harrapa ASI Haq Nawaz, cops Muhammad Mansha, Maqsood Ahmad and Muhammad Yaseen and two volunteers were taking the POs from the Dera Rahim to Harrapa police station by a wagon. Meanwhile, five of their accomplices who had blocked the Lower Bari Doab Canal, opened firing on the approaching wagon. Consequently, the policemen took to heals to save their lives.

The culprits managed to escape by two cars.

Meanwhile, the SSP ordered the arrest of the police party accompanying the POs.

The Harappa police have registered the case under section 353, 332, 225, 324, 148 and 149 PPC and arrested ASI, cops and volunteers.

Harrapa SHO was suspended.

Police claimed the POs were involved in many cases of dacoity and murder.