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Two suspected robbers killed in ‘encounter’

Our Correspondent
Tuesday, Apr 29, 2025

LAHORE:Two wanted criminals belonging to an inter-district gang were killed in a shootout with Lahore police.

The deceased, identified as Abid Ali and Zafar Iqbal, were key members of Safaya Gang involved in hundreds of armed robberies across Punjab. The incident occurred after Abid Ali, who had earlier escaped police custody during interrogation, was spotted along with accomplices near Sattokatla area. When police signaled four suspicious bikers to stop, the suspects opened fire, triggering an intense exchange.

In the crossfire, Abid Ali and Zafar Iqbal sustained critical injuries and died while being transported to hospital. According to DSP (Crime Control Department) Rizwan Manzoor Cheema, the slain suspects had extensive criminal records with involvement in violent crimes across multiple districts. The gang operated as an organised criminal network that carried out robberies in Lahore and other Punjab cities before fleeing. Their accomplices managed to escape under cover of darkness.

Five die in separate incidents

A series of incidents, including road accidents, claimed five lives in different parts of the City on Monday. In Gujjarpura, two people—identified as 40-year-old Abdul Razzaq and an unidentified individual—died in a road accident near Koral Ghati. Separately, in Kahna's Haloki area, 30-year-old Jamshed died after being hit by a train.

Meanwhile, in Green Town's Bagrian area, body of a 45-year old man, identified as Aqib son of Maqbool, was found. Initial reports suggested he might have been a drug addict. In another incident, an unidentified body was recovered from Barki Canal. Edhi Foundation shifted bodies to mortuaries. Police registered cases.

Woman found dead

A 25-year-old woman was found dead in her house in Nawab Town on Monday. According to Edhi spokesperson, Ayat Bibi was living alone at her residence and her body indicated she had died several days back. Police are examining the case from different angles.