ISLAMABAD, July 22 (Xinhua) -- Seven suspected dacoits were killed in four separate police encounters in Lahore, capital of Pakistan's Punjab province, authorities have said.
According to the Crime Control Department on Monday, a specialized Punjab police unit targeting organized crime, the suspects were wanted for robbery, murder, and other serious offenses.
In the most significant incident, three suspects were killed and three others escaped during a gunfight in Chung, a southeastern area of Lahore, after police foiled a robbery in progress.
Two more suspects were killed in Kotwali, while another was shot dead in Shahdara. A separate encounter occurred near Ring Road in Model Town, where a suspect was killed.
Police claimed all suspects were killed by crossfire from their own accomplices. Search operations are underway to arrest those who fled. ■