Law and order: Villagers protest ‘extra-judicial’ killing

FAISALABAD:

Scores of residents of Chak 414-GB Jalloana on Monday protested against police for killing a proclaimed offender in an alleged staged encounter.

The protesters gathered at Samundri Road and blocked it for traffic by erecting blockades and burning old tyres.

Talking to newsmen, Anjum Ali, one of the protesters, said Renala police had killed Shehbaz Ahmad in a staged encounter.

He said a robbery and murder case had been registered against the deceased.

“When police raided his house to arrest him, he fled. He was then declared a proclaimed offender,” he said.

He said the police had later arrested at a picket and had killed him.

Ali said the complaint against Shehbaz had been moved by his rivals. “Police took a bribe from them and killed Shehbaz at their behest.”

The protesters chanted slogans against police and demanded that Shehbaz’s body be handed over to the heirs of the deceased.

Later, a police team from Tandlianwala Saddar met the protesters and assured them that those found to have faked encounter would be taken to task.

The protesters dispersed on this assurance.

Talking to The Express Tribune, the Renala SHO said Shehbaz had been involved in a number of murders and robberies.

He said Shehbaz had been signalled to stop at a picket. “Instead of stopping, he shot at the police team,” he said.

He said the police had returned the fire and Shehbaz was killed on the spot.

“His body has been dispatched to the mortuary for post mortem examination. It will be handed over to his relatives for burial,” he said.

Published in The Express Tribune, August 18^th, 2015.