Five dacoits were killed in a ‘friendly fire’ during an alleged encounter near Ghazi Meenara on Sheikhupura-Sargodha road, reported 24NewsHD TV channel on Thursday.
DPO Zahid Nawaz said that the dacoits opened fire at a police van carrying their accomplices. “But they missed the target as the bullets hit their accomplices sitting inside the van,” he said, adding, “Resultantly, all five dacoits died.
The official further said that the slain dacoits were wanted in several cases of rape with women during dacoities. “They had been identified as their DNAs had matched on several occasions,” he said, adding, “The dacoits had raped two sisters during a robbery a month ago.” he said.
The DPO went on to say that the police were carrying out raids for the arrest of the assailants.
Three dacoits arrested in Jhelum
On the other hand, police in Jhelum have arrested three members of ‘Cheema gang’ of dacoits and recovered Rs2.7 million in cash and three pistols from them.
Police have said that the suspects, who are government employees, have confessed to have committed over 20 robberies in Jhelum, Gujrat, Faisalabad, Chakwal and other cities.
Reporters: Tariq Malik and Amir Kiani