Suspected robber killed in Shadbagh police 'encounter'

LAHORE: A suspected robber was killed during what police described as an encounter in the Shadbagh area after two men allegedly snatched cash and mobile phones from a citizen and fled towards a nearby forested tract.

According to police, a patrol team launched a chase after receiving information about the incident. Police said the suspects opened fire when they saw the personnel, leading to an exchange of gunfire. After the firing ended, one of the suspects was found critically wounded and was moved to hospital, where he later died.

Police identified the deceased as Syed Sajjad. Officials said gunfire by the suspects also damaged a police vehicle, after which police returned fire. According to police records, the dead suspect was allegedly wanted in around 180 cases related to robbery, theft and other offences.

Police said a search operation was continuing to trace and arrest the accomplice who escaped, while the investigation into the incident remained under way.

Checkpoint inspections

Separately, SP Bilal Ahmed paid surprise visits to several checkpoints and directed officials to tighten vigilance. He also instructed personnel to maintain a courteous attitude towards the public and emphasised greater use of the e-Police App to verify the data of suspicious individuals.

The officer further told officials to ensure the use of bulletproof jackets while on duty. He said police posted on checkpoint frontlines should remain fully equipped with weapons so they could respond quickly to any security threat.