KHANEWAL — Two members of a notorious inter‑district robbery gang were shot dead in a police encounter on Jahanian Road, as confirmed by Punjab’s Counter Crime Department (CCD).
The deceased, Naveed and Nadeem, had been wanted in connection with a string of armed robberies and home invasions across districts including Khanewal, Sahiwal, Vehari, Okara, and Lahore. Law enforcement officials allege that the duo were involved in high-profile incidents, including a heist in Khanewal’s People’s Colony. In that case, women were held at gunpoint while assailants stole gold jewellery valued at over Rs 10 million and cash worth Rs 270,000 from a banker’s home.
According to police sources, Naveed and Nadeem evaded capture for weeks before being sighted entering the city on a motorcycle. After breaking into a vacant house in Chowk Maki, they attempted to rob a shop at Awan Chowk but fled when confronted. The suspects later abandoned their motorcycle and hijacked a rickshaw in an effort to escape.
The situation escalated near a checkpoint at the MEPCO office, where police officers intercepted the rickshaw. The suspects opened fire, prompting officers to respond with gunfire after disabling the rickshaw’s rear wheel. Both men were critically wounded in the exchange and succumbed to their injuries at the scene.
Senior police officials linked to the operation include Khanewal District Police Officer Muhammad Ismail Kharrak and CCD in-charge Mehar Ishaq Sial, who deployed special units and established strategic roadblocks to contain the suspects’ escape.
Authorities confirmed recovery of firearms, stolen goods, and evidence suggesting the pair were responsible for multiple violent incidents across Punjab. The report is currently under investigation to determine any remaining associates or outstanding cases.
This operation follows a recent uptick in organized robbery networks across the province, with law enforcement agencies pledging more proactive raids and improved coordination to dismantle such groups.
