Suspect shot dead in friendly fire

Police personnel remained unharmed in gunfire exchange

HASSANABDAL:

In a dramatic incident, a suspect engaged in a gunfire exchange with the police was killed by his own accomplices on Monday.

A police spokesperson said one of the assailants was apprehended, while the other managed to evade capture by fleeing the scene amidst gunfire.

The encounter transpired as law enforcement personnel attempted to halt three individuals riding a motorcycle during a routine patrol on Hazara Road within the jurisdiction of the Hasan Abdal police station. The trio responded to the police intervention by opening fire on the officers. In the ensuing exchange of bullets, one of the assailants was inadvertently shot by his own cohort.

The second individual riding the motorcycle was promptly detained by the police, albeit with some difficulty.

The deceased has been identified as Zahoor, hailing from Abbottabad. Meanwhile, his detained associate was identified as Shahid Khan, a resident of Jamilabad in Taxila.

The spokesperson also said the police recovered two 30-bore pistols from the possession of the deceased. A case has been officially registered in relation to the incident.

On the same day, Hasan Abdal police apprehended a suspect for allegedly abducting his 5-year-old nephew over a domestic dispute.

According to a spokesperson for the police, Muhammad Atif, a labourer residing in Swabi's Jalostop area of Manun Nagar, submitted a formal complaint at the Saddar police station stating that on August 15, 2023, his cousin Sabir, who was visiting him, spent the night at his home.

The following morning, as per routine, Atif departed for work, leaving his son Rehan in Sabir's care. However, upon returning home later that day, Atif was informed by his wife that Sabir had taken Rehan with him to a shop but had not returned.

Subsequently, it was discovered that Sabir had abducted the 5-year-old boy.

The spokesperson further said the police initiated an investigation based on the provided information. With the aid of modern technology and professional expertise, the police successfully located and apprehended the accused. The abductee was found safe and sound, he added.

Published in The Express Tribune, August 22^nd, 2023.