QUETTA: Three suspected dacoits were killed in an alleged police encounter in Quetta, officials said.
Police said their team was on routine patrol when armed men opened fire. Officers returned fire immediately.
The brief but intense exchange left all three suspects dead at the scene. Their bodies were taken to the civil hospital for post-mortem and legal procedures.
Authorities said no identification documents were recovered, delaying immediate identification. Fingerprints are being matched with official records.
Officials added that swift police action prevented a potential robbery in the area. The neighborhood had seen a rise in street crime in recent weeks, prompting increased patrols.
A senior police officer said the incident highlights the risks officers face from armed criminals. The suspects fired at police without hesitation, forcing officers to respond to protect themselves and civilians.
Police cordoned off the area immediately, collecting evidence and recovering weapons and ammunition. Forensic teams obtained samples for further investigation.
Authorities said additional details, including the suspects’ identities and backgrounds, will be released after verification. Patrols in the area have been increased to ensure public safety and crime prevention.
Last week, Quetta police conducted 80 intelligence-based operations over the past six weeks, arresting dozens of suspects linked to murders, robberies and vehicle theft networks, officials said.
DIG Police Imran Shoukat and SSP Serious Crime Investigation Wing Imran Qureshi shared the details during a press conference at Police Lines.
Police said they dismantled a major interprovincial vehicle theft gang operating between Sindh and Balochistan. They arrested four members of the network and recovered 20 stolen vehicles.
The Serious Crime Investigation Wing also solved five blind murder cases. Officers made arrests in multiple robbery incidents and recovered cash, weapons, mobile phones, narcotics and other stolen goods.
