GUJRANWALA, April 5: A blanket factory, a general store and two houses were reduced to ashes after they caught fire in different parts of the city on Monday. The blanket factory of Muhammad Aslam in Chah Miran locality caught fire due to short circuit. Within no time the fire engulfed the machinery, raw material and finished blankets. The fire burnt the factory completely before the arrival of fire brigade.

A fire also broke out due to short circuit in the general store of Zahid Mahmood on Deputy Commissioner Road. All the goods lying in the store were reduced to ashes. The area people extinguished the fire.

Meanwhile, two houses of Ghulam Rasul and Ghulam Haider at Muhammadia Colony and Jinnah Road, respectively, were also reduced to ashes after they caught fire mysteriously.

SHOT DEAD: A bandit was shot dead and another sustained injuries when robbers opened fire on each other over differences in the distribution of booty in Ferozewala on Monday.

A gang of outlaws snatched cash, jewellery and other valuables from some passers-by at gunpoint on Ferozewala Road. Later, when they were distributing the looted goods they started quarrelling and opened fire on each other.

As a result, outlaw Luddu Masih died instantly while Aslam Dogar suffered bullet wounds. He was rushed to the local DHQ Hospital in critical condition. Ferozewala police have registered a case and are investigating. Meanwhile, armed bandits shot dead a farmer on resistance during a robbery bid in Aroop village.

Irfan was present in his outhouse when armed robbers came there and started looting him. They opened fire on Irfan when he tried to hold them out. He died on the spot.

SUICIDE: A jobless youth allegedly committed suicide by taking poisonous pills in Garjakh on Monday. Imran quarrelled with his parents over his pocket money issue.

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