HANGU, May 6: A criminal wanted in heinous crimes was killed in an encounter here on Monday, officials said.

Zawar, son of Ghiljai, was wanted in dacoity, kidnapping for ransom, murder and attempt to murder cases, said DSP (investigation) Israr and inspector Syed Badshah Khan, while briefing newsmen.

They said the police, after a tip-off about the presence of some criminals in the jungle near Mojozai, dispatched a party for their arrest.

When the police party reached the jungle, it came under fire, the police officials said, adding that in return fire, one of the criminals was killed. He was identified as Zawar.