VEHARI, Feb 4: A proclaimed offender was killed in an ‘encounter’ at Mauza Dhalo here on Sunday morning. On a tip-off, Karampur police raided the village. On seeing the police, PO Rafique and his accomplices opened fire. During a 20-minute shootout, Rafique was killed on the spot while his accomplices managed their escape.

Meanwhile talking to newsmen at Vehari DHQ hospital, family members of Rafique — Ali Muhammad, Manzoor Husain and Muhammad Yar said the deceased was innocent and was not involved in any dacoity or theft case. On the other hand, Karampur police claimed that he had opened fire on ASI Rana Faqir Husain in 1989, besides his involvement in other dacoity and theft cases.