The death toll from the deadly dispute between the two rival groups of Saad Khanani Jatoi and Badani Jatoi in Shikarpur increased to 15 on Tuesday as three more injured succumbed to their wounds, it has been learnt.

The armed clash took place on Monday in Pir Dost Muhammad Shah when the two rival groups attacked each other with rocket launchers and automatic weapons.

According to a police official, acting SSP Shikarpur Sajjad Ameer, along with a heavy contingent of police and Rangers, has cordoned off the area and initiated search operation against the murderers.

So far the police have arrested at least 15 suspected criminals and recovered two AK-47s, two shotguns, two TT Pistols and a large number of rounds from their possession, said police official Ali Baig Bijarani.

Those killed — belonging to Saad Khanani Jatoi group — were identified as Kashmoir, Mataro, Ghulam Sarwar, Kandero, Muhammad Soomar, Atta Muhammad and Hazaroo.

Meanwhile, the deceased of Badani Jatoi group were identified as Sadori wife of Nawaz, Razia, Nazal, Hamal, Yashallah, Abdul Majeed and Dur Muhammad Jatoi.

One passerby, a baby girl identified as Naila, died on the spot when she was hit by a stray bullet.Both the groups had freely used Rocket launchers and automatic weapons on each other due to which area was turned into battle filed on Monday.

The area police transported the dead bodies to Taluka Hospital Khanpur and Civil Hospital Shikarpur for post-mortem and handed over to their women heirs after conducting necessary medical formalities.

According to local sources, the funeral prayers of deceased were offered under the tight security measures.