Metro53 - Gujrat: A suspected criminal wanted in 38 criminal cases was arrested in an injured condition following an alleged police encounter in the Thoon Meera area of Sarai Alamgir, while his accomplices managed to escape, police said on Sunday.
According to a police spokesperson, officers had set up a checkpoint when they signaled suspicious motorcyclists to stop. Instead of complying, the suspects allegedly opened fire on the police team and attempted to flee the scene.
Police returned fire, after which the suspects escaped towards the Sambli area. A search operation was launched, and during the sweep, officers found an injured suspect near a canal bank.
The arrested man was identified as Muhammad Bilal, son of Muhammad Siddique, a resident of Pakpattan. Police said he had sustained a bullet wound to the knee, which preliminary investigations suggest may have been caused by gunfire from one of his accomplices during the exchange.
A .30-bore pistol was recovered from the suspect’s possession.
Authorities stated that Bilal was wanted in 38 cases, including robbery, highway robbery, theft, and other serious offences registered in Gujrat and Pakpattan districts.
The injured suspect was shifted to the Tehsil Headquarters Hospital Sarai Alamgir for medical treatment.
The District Police Officer (DPO) Gujrat reiterated that operations against armed criminals would continue without discrimination, adding that the protection of citizens’ lives and property remains a top priority for the police.
