MANDI BAHAUDDIN, April 6: A proclaimed offender was killed in a police ?encounter? here on Tuesday night at Lower Jhelum Canal. On a tip-off, Miana Gondal SHO Mohammad Islaam formed a team, comprising SI Mohammad Azam, ASI Mohammad Akbar and others, which raided the place. On seeing the police, Farooq ? the ring leader of Farooqa Gang ? along with his brother PO Mohammad Ameer opened fire. During an hour-long encounter, Farooq was killed while his brother managed his escape.

Reports said Farooq had abducted a blind Hafiz-i-Quran, Tehmina Bibi, on Jan 19, 2005 after killing his brother Saifullah and also kidnapped a couple for ransom from Garh Qaim village.

Three other members of the gang had already been gunned down by police in various encounters.

TWO KILLED: Two people were killed in accidents here during the last 18 hours.

Reports said the Chenab Express smashed into a motorcycle-rickshaw on Mian Da Bauna railway crossing. As a result, Ishrat, 10, died on the spot while four other passengers sustained injuries.

Ijaz Ahmad, father of four children, was run over and killed by a speeding vehicle on Rawalpindi-Mandi Bahauddin Road.

ASI SUSPENDED: An assistant sub-inspector was suspended for allegedly torturing a labourer over a petty issue here on Wednesday.

Reports said ASI Ghulam Ali of city police tortured Mushtaq Ahmad of Kashmir Colony on Tuesday evening on which citizens took out a procession led by UC Nazim Ashraf Ghauri and demanded registration of a case against the police official.

District Police Officer Waqar Haider on Wednesday suspended Ghulam Ali and appointed Saddar DSP Saddar Ziaullah Niazi as inquiry officer.