Two shot dead over rivalry in Gujranwala

Victims’ relatives protest, demand justice from higher police officials

GUJRANWALA: Two people were gunned down by their rivals over an enmity in Gujranwala.

An official from Alipur Chattha police station told Express News that Ashfaq Chattha and Akram Chattha were passing through Dargahi Wala in a car on Tuesday. That is when Shahnawaz, Riaz, Irfan, Usama and others from the Malhi group allegedly ambushed them and opened fire.



As a result, both victims suffered multiple bullet injuries and died on the spot. He added the assailants fled the scene after the murder.

The official maintained that deceased Ashfaq had enmity with Faisal Malhi. “Ashfaq’s Brother Afzal Chattha and cousin Nasir were also shot dead by members of Malhi group some six months ago,” he pointed out.

He revealed that one of the members of Malhi group, Usman Malhi, had been involved in a number of criminal activities, including, murder, robbery, extortion and land grabbing. The police official disclosed, “The accused has fled abroad and is wanted by the police in several cases.”



He added that a few days ago, Usman had also threatened Ashfaq that he would kill all his family members.

Meanwhile, relatives and family members of the deceased protested against the killing.  They blocked the main road and pelted stones at police vans.

While speaking to Express News, the protesters said the police was not taking action against the accused. They said, “We informed the police about the threats but they did not provide us with security.”

They demanded police officials arrest the culprits and award them strict punishment.

Later, a heavy contingent of police, headed by SP Waqar Qureshi, reached the spot and held negotiations with the protesters. The SP assured them that their grievances would be addressed and the murderers would be arrested soon. On the assurance, the protesters ended the demonstration and dispersed peacefully.

Published in The Express Tribune, August 29^th, 2018.