According to police, the suspects had looted Rs600,000 in cash from a citizen and were fleeing toward Kot Samaba when they were intercepted.

Police signalled them to stop at a checkpoint, but the suspects opened fire, prompting a retaliatory response.

A senior police officer said the identities of the deceased suspects could not yet be ascertained.

Weapons were recovered from their possession after the encounter.

The police officer added that the operation against criminals is ongoing in the Katcha area.