BAHAWALPUR: An under-custody alleged dacoit hailing from Muradpur in Lodhran district was killed `by the firing of his five accomplices during a police encounter` in the limits of Musafirkhana police station in Bahawalpur district, about 30 kms from here, on Saturday.

According to police PRO Rao Kashif, Rashid Ahmed alias Sheda Gandi was wanted in 37 cases of murder, rape and abduction registered by several police stations in South Punjab.

He said Rashid was on physical remand with the Musafirkhana police, whose team led him to Mauzas Hakra and Mundai Shahwala Khooh for recovery of illegal arms. On their return, the police team came under heavy firing by Rashid`s accomplices on three motorcycles and succeeded in freeing him from police custody.

He said Rashid died during the shootout by the firing of his own accomplices.

The PRO said Rasheed was wanted by police of Muzzafargarh, Khanewal and Lodhran.

In one case, he man-aged his escape after breaking police lock-up and killing an under-trial man in Lodhran police station. Besides, he was also involved in the abduction and rape of a newly-wed girl after snatching her from her husband.

SHO Mohsin Sardar of PS Musafirkhan said that the arrest and recovery from the deceased was a big challenge for the police.

Musafirkhan police booked Rashid`s five accomplices.

LIVESTOCK: As many as 216 deserving and financially handicapped rural women, widows and divorced of three tehsils of Bahawalpur, Khairpur Tamewali and Hasilpur were given free livestock on behalf of the Punjab government at a ceremony held here on Saturday.

DISTINCTION: Vehari district has been adjudged third in the districts` groups on the basis of Punjab chief minister`s performance indicators during the first three months of 2025.

Deputy Commissioner Ms Imrana Taugeer claimed that the district obtained 93.59 points.

Divisional Commissioner Multan Aamir Karim Khan appreciated the DC.