Three proclaimed offenders were killed and three others managed to escape during an alleged encounter with Mardan police on Thursday.

According to police officials, the encounter took place during an operation against proclaimed offenders.

The deceased were wanted in several criminal cases, including the murders of Constable Azam Dad and Basit Ali, the police claimed.

Police said the suspects were killed in a firing by their own accomplices during the exchange.

Two Kalashnikov rifles and a pistol were recovered from the possession of the deceased.

The slain suspects were identified as Abrar, Yaqoob and Raheemzada — all belonged to Swabi and Mardan districts.

During the encounter, a police vehicle sustained partial damage; however, all police personnel remained safe, officials said.