Saralnama
A manhunt is ongoing in Porepunkah, Victoria, after two police officers were shot dead and one injured on 26 Aug 2025. Officers were serving an arrest warrant related to historical sex offences when a heavily armed suspect opened fire. The suspect escaped on foot into nearby bushland. Police have deployed hundreds of personnel and urged locals to stay indoors. The injured officer was airlifted to hospital. The suspect is believed to be alone; police are searching for his wife and children. The town has about 1,000 residents and is located 300 km northeast of Melbourne. Police described the suspect as dangerous and linked him to a ‘sovereign citizen’ movement, which rejects government authority. The community is in shock, and leaders have paid tribute to the fallen officers. Gun crime is rare in Australia due to strict laws. (Updated 26 Aug 2025, 15:03 IST; source: link)