HYDERABAD, March 24 A police constable was shot dead here on Tuesday.

Witnesses said that the slain constable, Niaz Khilji, was returning to his home after offering Maghrib prayers along with his son when a man opened fire on him.

Niaz was taken to the civil hospital where doctors pronounced him dead on arrival. His son remained unhurt.

Deceased`s cousin, Faizan Khilji, has accused one Sharif of killing Niaz. He said Niaz had a dispute with Sharif.

According to sources, Niaz was a witness in a case of dispute over the possession of some Auqaf department`s shops at a shrine near the Station between Sharif and one Jawed.

Police said that the slain constable was recently reinstated in service after six-month imprisonment in a case of dacoity. He was posted at a bank branch on Monday.

After the murder, Niaz`s relatives blocked the Station road for sometime in protest which caused serious traffic jam. The traffic was later diverted to link roads.

Meanwhile, police have arrested a proclaimed offender, Sudheer alias Sadoro, a resident of Naushahro Feroze. Police seized a .222 rifle, 20 bullets and a magazine from his possession.

The DPO told reporters here on Tuesday that Sudheer who had fled from policy custody was wanted by Bhitshah and Tando Allahyar police in a number of cases. His co-accused, police constable Amir Ali Katyar, was in jail.

The DPO said the PPO Sindh had announced a cash reward and commendatory certificates for the police party.