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.