KARACHI: Five suspected robbers were killed in an exchange of fire with police near the Lyari River Bridge at the G-23 bus stop, within the limits of New Karachi Industrial Area, officials said on Tuesday.
According to police, the encounter took place when a car carrying armed suspects was intercepted by a police patrol after being flagged as suspicious.
SSP Central Dr Imran said the suspects opened fire on the police party as soon as they were stopped, prompting officers to return fire. “All five robbers were killed in the retaliatory firing,” he said.
Police recovered a Kalashnikov rifle, pistols, mobile phones, a car and a motorcycle allegedly used by the suspects, along with other equipment, from the scene.
Dr Imran added that the Station House Officer (SHO) of New Karachi Industrial Area had a narrow escape when a bullet struck his bulletproof jacket during the exchange. No police personnel were injured in the incident.
The bodies were shifted to a hospital for medico-legal formalities while further investigation is under way to ascertain the identity and criminal record of the deceased.
Police said the suspects were believed to be involved in multiple street crimes in the city.
