Two alleged criminals were killed and three others were arrested in injured condition during five separate police encounters in different parts of Gujranwala, reported 24NewsHD TV channel on Friday.
According to police, the operations were carried out in the jurisdictions of Ladhuwala Warraich, Civil Lines, Peoples Colony, Aroop, and Ahmad Nagar police stations. The deceased suspects were reportedly killed by gunfire from their own accomplices while attempting to escape during exchanges of fire with police.
The first incident took place within the limits of Ladhuwala Warraich Police Station, where police claimed that a dangerous robber identified as Aamir was killed after being hit by bullets allegedly fired by his own accomplices during an exchange of fire at a police checkpoint.
Police said Aamir had a criminal record in more than 25 serious cases, including robbery, highway robbery, theft, and motorcycle theft. He had previously been arrested in an injured condition during an encounter with the Crime Control Department (CCD) and had served time in jail. Police recovered a snatched motorcycle, a mobile phone, and illegal weapons from his possession.
In another encounter in the Civil Lines Police Station area, an alleged drug dealer identified as Haroon Akhtar was killed after reportedly coming under fire from his own accomplices while fleeing following an attack on a police checkpoint. Police said Haroon had a record in narcotics cases. During the operation, officers recovered 12 kilograms of hashish (charas) and illegal weapons, while three of his accomplices managed to escape.
In the Peoples Colony Police Station area, police arrested Qaiser Mahmood in injured condition after he allegedly attempted to flee from a police checkpoint.
Police said the suspect was wanted in cases involving murder, attempted murder, and drug trafficking. Around 680 grams of hashish were recovered from his possession, while his accomplices escaped.
Meanwhile, in the Aroop Police Station area, police arrested Shehryar, who was wanted in several cases of robbery, theft, and motorcycle theft. According to police, he was injured while trying to escape during a raid conducted for his arrest.
In a separate operation under the jurisdiction of Ahmad Nagar Police Station, police arrested Tanawush Ali, a suspect with a record in robbery and theft cases. He was reportedly injured while attempting to flee during a police raid.
Following the incidents, City Police Officer (CPO) Dr. Sardar Ghiyas Gul Khan took immediate notice of the encounters and sought detailed reports from the divisional Superintendents of Police (SPs).
Police also announced the formation of special teams under the supervision of Sub-Divisional Police Officers (SDPOs) to arrest the suspects who managed to escape. Search operations and checkpoints have been intensified across the city.
Commenting on the operations, CPO Dr Sardar Ghiyas Gul Khan said that eliminating criminal elements and drug traffickers is essential for ensuring a peaceful and secure society.
He reaffirmed the police department's commitment to continuing operations against crime across Gujranwala.
Reporter: Rana Zahid