RAWALPINDI: Two suspected robbers died and a police official was injured in an encounter between police and robbers while they were escaping with a car snatched from its owner at gunpoint on Tuesday.

Police raids were underway to arrest the accomplice of the two suspected robbers while a case was registered against the suspects under section 7 of the Anti-Terrorism Act with Dhamial police.

Faizan Nadeem, a sub-inspector, lodged a first information report (FIR) with police saying that he was with his subordinates in a police vehicle at Chakri Road when he received a wireless emergency call regarding snatching of a car and Rs20,000 from Jamaluddin at gunpoint by three unidentified robbers in Lalkurti area.

He said after receiving the emergency call, a police check point was established, a Dolphin Force squad was called and police were alerted in the district. Police said as they were on alert, they spotted two vehicles coming from Dhamial Road. As the two cars were signalled to stop, the occupants of the cars started firing at police.

However, the police, after taking precautionary measures, attempted to force the suspects to surrender and also fired gunshots in the air in self-defence. The suspected robbers continued firing which resulted in an injury being sustained by Ghulam Muhiuddin, head constable. The police van was hit by gun shots fired by the suspects.

One of the suspects was also injured. Police said the injured suspect was detained and arms were recovered from him. The suspect was identified as Naqeebur Rehman alias Tufan, whereas another injured person was found lying close by.

The other injured person, police said, was also carrying a loaded pistol. He was identified as Tahsinullah.

Police said in the first information report (FIR) that both persons succumbed to their injuries while being moved to Benazir Bhutto Hospital (BBH). Later, their bodies were shifted to the hospital for post-mortem.

Shortly after the incident happened, SP Saddar Division and other police officials reached the spot and launched a search operation to trace the escapee.

Published in Dawn, April 12th, 2023