KOHAT, March 5: A notorious ring leader wanted by the police in 37 murder cases and extortion of money was injured, whereas a pedestrian was killed in an exchange of fire with police near the KDA Township, a police spokesman told Dawn on Tuesday.

The incident took place when a car was stopped on Peshawar Road by a police patrol. The ring leader, Pir Habib Shah, wanted 37 murder cases and extortion of money from the business community, came out of the vehicle and started abusing Iqbal Khan, Assistant Sub-Inspector.

Later, the gang opened fire on the police party. The police party also retaliated and in the exchange of fire a pedestrian Shakir Khan received bullet injuries and died, whereas Pir Habib Shah also received bullets in his legs. The criminals later fled in their vehicle.

Kohat SSP Abid Ali, who reached the spot after receiving information about the incident, chased the gangsters’ vehicle and arrested Fakir Shah, Fay Khan and Saleh Mohammad, while injured Pir Habib Shah was sent to Lady Reading Hospital in Peshawar for treatment.

The SSP also recovered two Kalashnikovs, two pistols, a dagger and hundreds of rounds from the possession of the accused and registered an FIR against them at the Janglekhel police station, the spokesman said.

SECURITY: Army personnel will be deployed in the district from Muharram 7 to 10 to assist the administration in ensuring peace and meet any eventuality.

Official sources on Wednesday said that the troops would patrol the district to keep vigil on elements trying to disrupt peace and security.

DIG Kohat Ghulam Mohammed, who visited Hangu and met with the elders of Shia and Sunni sects, had warned that anybody found involved in disrupting peace would be dealt sternly, a police spokesman said.

Meanwhile, the District Nazim had banned the assembly of five and more people, except that of Shia community, and carrying of arms but the law enforcers till March 15.