DERA GHAZI KHAN: A constable and three gangsters were killed in a shootout in riverine area of Rujhan (Rajanpur) on Wednesday.

Police operation against the Ata Paat gang in Kucha Chak Imrani is under way.

Police claimed that they entered the hideout of the gang and killed three of its members while five gangsters surrendered along with their weapons.

Police said during exchange of heavy gunfire, constable Ghulam Qasim suffered critical wounds and succumbed to his injuries.

Police said machine guns, rocket launchers, G3 and SMG were recovered from the possession of bandits who surrendered. The hideout of the gang was set ablaze.

According to police spokesman, the outlaws also opened fire on the bullet proof vehicle of District Police Officer Muhammad Nasir Syal who remained safe.

Meanwhile, the funeral prayers for Elite Constable Ghulam Qasim were performed with full honours at Rajanpur police lines.

Additional IG south Punjab Maqsoodul Hasan along with all top leadership of police, heads of security agencies, bar association, press club, police officers and relatives attended the funeral.

Senior police officers placed floral wreaths on the body of the martyr wrapped in the national flag and a squad presented a salute.

The additional IG met with the family and expressed his condolences. The constable is survived by his mother, wife, brothers and sisters.

The police chief said as a result of the grand operation five members of the dangerous Imrani and Qaisrani gangs surrendered to the law.

Those who surrendered included Iqbal Qaisrani, Ali Nawaz Imrani , Abdul Aziz Imrani, Abdul Rasheed Imrani and Shahid Imran Baloch.

They were involved in heinous crimes like robbery, murder, dacoity, attempted murder, firing at the police and kidnap for ransom in Katcha areas.

The number of arrests in Katcha operation has increased to 33 in addition to killing of three robbers.

Published in Dawn, May 4th, 2023