OKARA: A suspected robber was shot dead during an alleged encounter with police near level crossing Mataan-Haveli Lakha early on Monday.

Haveli Lakha police claimed they were on routine patrol near Chak 43/SP-Khurpa when they signalled two motorcyclists. Instead of stopping, the motorcyclists ran away and the police van chased them. Near the railway crossing near Mataan, the motorcyclists left their two-wheeler on the road and opened fire on the police. The policeman retaliated in self-defence.

When the shooting from the criminals stopped, the police found a man lying dead. He was later identified as Tanveer, a resident of Chak 6/SP.

The police alleged the victim was hit by the bullets of his accomplice who had escaped. They claimed Tanveer was wanted in a dozen cases of robbery and murder.

A Kalashnikov, bullets and a motorcycle were found near the deceased.

Published in Dawn, July 23rd, 2019