NAWABSHAH, June 30: Protesters in retaliation to baton-charge snatched sticks and beat policemen forcing them to take refuge in police station in Qazi Ahmed on Monday.

Dozens of devotees of shrine of Jamal Shah staged a demonstration at the National Highway opposite Qazi Ahmed police station against police for failure to arrest thieves.

They blocked the Highway by observing a sit-in, suspending vehicular traffic.

Protesters told reporters that a few days back, some people stole cash and valuables from the residence of Sajjada Nasheen in Qazi Ahmed town. They said the complainant identified the thieves and informed police but they did not arrest them.

Doulatpur Supervising Police Officer Mohammad Ramzan Jhatiyal arrived at the spot and ordered baton charge on protesters resulting in injuries to Liaquat Ali, Mashooq Ali and Ali Gul Unnar.

Enraged protesters snatched the clubs from police and started beating police.

They hit police with clubs and stones due to which SPO Doulatpur Mohamm-ad Ramzan Jhatiyal and a police constable Hidayatullah Soomro received head injuries.

They took shelter in the police station and locked the doors from inside.

Later, they started shelling on protesters from the police station after which protesters dispersed.