GUJRANWALA, March 5: The bodies of three dacoits, as many Elite Force officials and a woman who were killed in an encounter late Tuesday night in Khiali Shahpur locality were recovered from the house after a four-hour long encounter.

The police removed the bodies to the local DHQ Hospital for autopsy. The condition of injured constables was described as stable.

The minor children were also recovered safely from the houseafter the encounter. Police also recovered illegal arms lying near the bodies of the dacoits.

The district and session judge ordered a judicial inquiry into the killing of three Elite Force officials, three dacoits and a woman.

Later talking to newsmen, DPO Saud Aziz said the outlaws killed in the encounter were released from jail in 2001 where they were lodged for their involvement in murder and other heinous crimes.

He said they were involved in dozens of cases of dacoity, robbery and other heinous crimes. He said a Kalashnikov, an 8mm rifle, a 30 bore pistol and scores of cartridges were recovered from nearby the bodies of outlaws. They were identified as Muzaffar Iqbal, Daska; Bashir Hussain of Chak 290-GB, Toba Tek Singh; and Ashraf alias Bela of Khewas Bajwa, Pasrur.

The DPO said the police fired at least seven teargas shells to apprehend outlaws from the house. He said four police commandos were provided with bullet proof jackets who took part in the encounter. He said the special drive launched against criminals and notorious POs would continue.

COMPENSATION: A one-day salary of all police employees and Rs300,000 compensation each will be provided by the range police to the heirs of three Elite Force officials who were killed in an encounter with POs in Khiali on Tuesday night.