SARGODHA, Aug 12: Dacoits gang-raped three women besides looting cash and valuables from their houses in the district on Monday night.

Reports reaching here said 10 armed men entered a house in Chak 23 near Bhagtanwala and tied up the owner and a guest. Later, they raped house owner’s wife and daughter, and escaped after collecting cash, gold ornaments and valuables.

Following the incident, the district police officer suspended from service the entire staff of the Bhagtanwala police station for showing negligence in duty and ordered them to report to the police lines.

In Luk village, seven masked men entered the house of a prayer leader and raped his wife. The intruders fled after looting cash and gold from the house.

The condition of the victim was stated to be critical in hospital.

It was learnt that one of the accused has been identified as Azhar.

TWO GIRLS SHOT DEAD: Two minor girls were shot dead allegedly by three dacoits in Kot Hakim Khan here on Monday.

Ghulam Rasool was asleep along with his family when three armed men entered the house and awoke them. On resistance, the bandits opened fire killing Parveen, 6, instantly and injuring two-year-old Mafia Batool. The injured was taken to hospital where she died.

Later, the area people blocked the road in protest against the incident. The DPO reached the spot and assured the people that the culprits would be arrested soon.