KARACHI, March 7: Two armed suspects were shot dead by police in separate encounters on Sunday. An armed suspect was shot dead in Lasbella on Sunday. DSP Jamshed Quarters, Shad Ibne Masih told Dawn that when policemen signalled two motorcyclists to stop near the Adamjee Science College, they sped away. Police chased them and an exchange of fire took place at Lasballa Chowk.

Subsequently, a suspect identified as Rizwan, 26, suffered a bullet wound. He was taken to Civil Hospital, where he died. Police recovered a TT pistol, several rounds and a motorcycle (MNN-8562) from his possession while his accomplice escapedduring the shootout.

In North Karachi, another armed bandit was shot dead by police while his two accomplices were arrested after an exchange of fire late Saturday night. A nine-year-old girl Saira, was also injured in the cross-fire.

Police said the three men were involved in a dacoity at the house of Humayun Iqbal, who was deprived of jewellry worth Rs300,000 and cash of Rs5,000. Humayun Iqbal told Dawn that five armed men held his family hostage at gunpoint. They took away jewellry, cash, cellular phone and his licensed pistol. He said that following their escape he informed the police at 15.

Shortly after the incident, police signalled three motorcyclists on suspicion to stop. However, when the suspects tried to flee, police opened fire injuring two of them, identified as Rahim and Asif, and arrested Aslam. Police claimed that Asif died before he could be shifted to hospital. Three pistols and valuables were recovered from them.

On Sunday, when Humayun went to the police station, police informed him that the suspects had been arrested. He recognized one of the suspects who was in police lockup. The complainant was made to sit in the police station for sometime and was later sent home by the police without informing him about the recoveries made.