Chiniot/Lahore: At least six alleged dacoits were killed in three separate encounters involving the Punjab Police’s Crime Control Department (CCD), as the force continues to face public scrutiny following the death of a young girl during a controversial operation in Chakwal earlier this month.
According to CCD officials, the first encounter took place in Bhawana Tehsil of Chiniot district, where three alleged suspects were killed during a police operation.
Authorities said the suspects had been taken along for the recovery of stolen property when their alleged accomplices opened fire on the CCD team in an attempt to secure their release. CCD personnel returned fire, and after the exchange ended, the three suspects were found dead. Police claimed they were struck by bullets fired by their own accomplices.
In a separate incident near Rana Town in Muridke, two alleged dacoits were killed while three others escaped during a gun battle with CCD personnel.
Police stated that the suspects were allegedly robbing citizens when officers arrived at the scene. During the exchange of fire, two suspects identified as Umar Maqbool alias Kaka and Faisal were killed. Authorities claimed both men were wanted in multiple serious criminal cases and had recently been involved in the killing of a citizen during a robbery in Daukay.
Officials said weapons and a motorcycle were recovered from the suspects, while efforts are ongoing to apprehend the fleeing accomplices.
The third encounter occurred near the Faisalabad–Pindi Bhattian Bridge, where a wanted suspect identified as Kashif alias Kashi was killed.
According to CCD officials, Kashif was wanted in more than 50 criminal cases, including robbery, highway robbery and previous police encounter cases. Two alleged accomplices reportedly managed to escape during the shootout.
Police further alleged that the suspect had previously injured two Dolphin Force officers and was involved in targeting citizens after they withdrew cash from banks.
The encounters come at a time when the CCD is facing heightened scrutiny following the death of nine-year-old Hania in Chakwal. The child was killed while her father and brother were injured after CCD personnel allegedly opened fire on their vehicle, reportedly mistaking it for a car being used by suspected robbers.
The Chakwal incident sparked widespread criticism and renewed debate over police operational procedures, accountability and the use of force during law enforcement actions.