CHAKWAL, Jan 23: Two proclaimed offenders (POs) involved in seven cases of murder succeeded in escaping after a three-hour-long encounter with police here, it was learnt.

According to sources, two POs Sajid Hussain and Abid Hussain (real brothers) were on wanted list of Chontra police in seven cases of murder. On Sunday, both were enjoying a dogs’ fight in Moolay village situated in the jurisdiction of Dhudial police station. On the tip off, incharge police check post Chak Baili, Sub-Inspector Mohammad Aslam rushed to the scene with a heavy contingent of police personnel.

He also sought help from Dhudial police and SHO Dhudial police station Zulfiqar Bazid also reached the spot with his men.

As the police party reached the spot, the wanted men sensed danger and slipped into nearby forest. Police chased them and a charged battle started at around 7pm which continued till 10pm. According to police sources both the POs were armed with Kalashnikovs. After a cross firing that lasted for nearly three hours both criminals escaped.

It may be mentioned here that Chontra police station area is notorious for murders caused by years-long feuds. “We tried our best to arrest them but due to the dark we could not enter the jungle”, maintained SI Mohammad Aslam.

When contacted, SHO of Chontra police station, Yar Mohammad revealed shocking figures of POs who are on wanted list in his police station. “There are 133 wanted men and among them 79 are involved in murder cases”, he said.