Cops turn into robbers in Russia

Moscow, July 14 (IANS) A gang suspected of high-profile robberies in Russia's southwestern region of Ingushetia included three police officers, the Russian interior ministry said.

According to RIA Novosti, one of the gang members was killed and four arrested in a police manhunt in Ekazhevo village after the gang broke into the house of the regional education minister and stole about two million rubles (over $60,000) in cash and jewellery.

The suspects shot at police during the arrest. Two of the gang members were injured and hospitalised, while one managed to escape. Police suffered no casualties.

Police Ingushetia have launched an internal affairs probe, which could lead to sacking of the commanders of police units where the "turncoats" served.

Police said the suspects may have also been involved in a number of other high-profile robberies in Ingushetia, including an attack on the deputy health minister.