City witnesses staggering murder figures

Many of the cases stemmed from family feuds and longstanding disputes

GUJRANWALA:

A total of 158 people were murdered within the jurisdiction of 24 police stations across the district this year. Among these killings, 8 occurred while the victims were resisting robberies, while the majority of these fatalities stemmed from family disputes and vendettas. Saddar Gujranwala police station recorded the highest number of murder cases, totaling 22.

Within Gujranwala’s 24 police stations, murder cases have witnessed a concerning increase this year, with a total of 158 lives lost. These cases encompass a range of motives, including family enmity, legal disputes and killings in the name of honour. To investigate these cases thoroughly, homicide units have been established within the police stations and the Forensic Science Agency and CIA Gujranwala are providing their expertise.

Saddar Police Station topped the list with 22 murder cases, followed by Cantt Police Station with 11, Aroop Police Station with 11, Tatle Ala Police Station with 12, Aimanabad with 10, Saddar Kamonki with 10, Khyali with 10, People's Colony Police Station with 9, Ferozwala Police Station with 8, Naushera Warkan Police Station with 9, Wahandu with 6, Baghbanpura with 6, Gurjakh with 4, Jinnah Road with 5, Model Town with 3, Satellite Town police station with 3, Dhule with 2, City Kamonki with 1, Kot Ladha with 6, Sabzi Mandi police station with 6, and Civil Line with 3 cases.

These incidents primarily involve men and youth, often stemming from longstanding family feuds and land disputes. Among all killings, there have been 31 premeditated murders where victims were meticulously disposed of, with some remains even found in sacks. The district also saw a large number of suicides.

A total of 484 individuals have been accused in these murder cases, with police actively seeking the suspects and conducting ongoing investigations. So far, 137 accused have been apprehended, while 32 cases have been filed against the accused. Furthermore, 39 individuals were found innocent during investigations, 4 are out on bail and 6 accused have been arrested in connection with 31 blind murders.

SSP Operation Faraz Ahmad told this scribe that upon the directives of IG Punjab, efforts to prevent and solve murder and other serious crimes are being pursued vigorously and impartially.

Ensuring that murder cases are resolved fairly in court is a top priority.

 

Published in The Express Tribune, September 25^th, 2023.