MIANWALI, Nov 16: Four people were shot dead and one seriously injured in an indiscriminate firing by a proclaimed offender (PO) and his accomplices at Muzaffarpur village, 20 kilometres from here, on Sunday night.

Police said Abdul Rauf alias Kala fractured the legs of shopkeeper Muhammad Ramzan for not paying him 'forced' tax. Union council chairman Malik Fateh Muhammad, who was a close relative of Ramzan, was pursuing his case.

On Sunday at about 8pm, Kala with his accomplices went to the dear of Malik Fateh who was sitting there with his friends. Kala, who was carrying a Kalashnikov, opened fire on Malik Fateh who had a miraculous escape. Patwari Muhammad Khan, a close relative of Malik Fateh, overpowered the felon, but his accomplice shot at and injured him. Kala and his accomplices then sprayed volleys of bullets but Malik Fateh escaped unhurt. Among the dead are; irrigation department zaildar Abdul Rehman, Muhammad Khan, Yousaf Baloch and Khuda Bakhsh. Schoolteacher Muhammad Amir suffered bullet wounds in one of his legs.

The injured man was admitted to the DHQ Hospital.

Wan Bhachran police have registered a case against the PO and his accomplices but no arrest has so far been made.

Punjab Minister for Revenue Gul Hameed Rokhri, former MPs Malik Mumtaz Bhachar and Inamullah Khan Niazi also attended funeral prayers.

PATRICIDE: A man allegedly shot dead his father when he refused to hand him over his property in Wandha Alam village Khelanwala.

Police said Shaukat Hayat killed his father Sher Khan with a burst of Kalashnikov.

Shaukat had killed his brother Farooq five years back ago over some domestic issue. But he was released when his father forgave him.

Musakhel police have registered a case.

CRIMINAL ESCAPES: Kaleemullah, involved in a criminal case, escaped from the Pai Khel police station lockup on Saturday night.

The escape of the man was noted when his brother Tahir Naveed brought meal for him. Police, however, detained Tahir.

Later, the SHO suspended three policemen from service.