Police Foil Armed Assault, Launch Citywide Crackdown on Criminal Elements

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A police confrontation with armed suspects and a broader crackdown on street-level crime mark a continued effort to restore order and uphold law enforcement authority. Two suspects were arrested after opening fire on police in Chaklala, while authorities also intensified operations against organized street beggars, linking them to a wider web of criminal activity.

According to a police spokesman, the incident occurred when four men riding a motorcycle opened fire on a police patrol from the Chaklala Police Station jurisdiction after officers attempted to stop them. During the exchange, one suspect was injured and taken into custody along with another, while two others managed to flee. A stolen motorcycle and illegal firearms were recovered from the apprehended individuals.

Police confirmed that the injured suspect has a known criminal background, with a history of motorcycle thefts registered at multiple stations. The stolen bike recovered at the scene had reportedly gone missing from the Chaklala area just last month.

Senior officers, including City Police Officer (CPO) Syed Khalid Hamdani, responded to the scene following reports of gunfire. “Those who attack citizens and police cannot escape the clutches of the law,” Hamdani stated. Authorities have launched an area-wide search operation to track down the two fugitives still at large.

In a separate development, law enforcement has initiated a concerted crackdown on what officials are calling “professional beggars.” In just two days, 25 individuals were detained in operations across the city. Police note that these individuals are not just nuisances but are often tied to other illicit activities such as theft, drug trafficking, and organized scams.

Acting under the directive of CPO Hamdani and in line with the Chief Minister of Punjab’s public order initiatives, police have formed special squads tasked with identifying and detaining these professional panhandlers. These individuals frequently obstruct traffic at busy intersections and are seen as a public safety risk.

“Professional beggars are not just a social burden; many are involved in criminal networks,” the police spokesman emphasized. He confirmed that action will continue under the current orders.

Meanwhile, a separate road accident in the Rawat police jurisdiction resulted in serious injuries. A pedestrian was hit by a motorcycle while crossing the road. The rider also sustained critical injuries. Both were taken to the District Headquarters Hospital (DHQ) for treatment. Preliminary findings from the police suggest no foul play, though a full report is pending.

These incidents underscore ongoing law enforcement challenges amid rising criminal activity and unsafe urban conditions. While local authorities push forward with security measures, public support and stronger policy enforcement remain critical to restoring long-term civic order.