Five people were gunned down in a broad-daylight attack on Wednesday when motorcycle-riding assailants opened fire on the vehicle of the victims on Kashmir Road, specifically targeting Rana Iftikhar alias Rana Khari.
The attack resulted in the deaths of Rana Iftikhar, gunman Rajab Ali, Hafiz Sufyan, Buta alias Fauji, and Qasid Shah. A passer-by, Nooran Bibi, sustained injuries, while the driver managed to escape unharmed.
The horrifying incident unfolded yesterday afternoon as Rana Iftikhar was returning home from a sessions’ court hearing along with others.
The attackers, armed with firearms, indiscriminately fired on the vehicle at Rana Jameel Chowk. The assailants' close proximity to the vehicle made it difficult for the victims to defend themselves. Upon receiving news of the incident, SSP Operation Faraz Ahmad, SSP Investigation Rizwan Tariq, SP Civil Line Bilal Silhari and other officers swiftly arrived at the scene with a heavy contingent.
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The firing caused panic in the area, leading to the closure of markets and shops.
Eyewitnesses reported an exchange of gunfire between the attackers and the individuals in the vehicle, but the assailants managed to close in, resulting in the tragic deaths.
The rescue team promptly reached the spot, and emotional scenes unfolded as family members and friends of the victims gathered.
The police shifted the bodies to DHQ for post-mortem examinations.
Eyewitnesses said bullets hit shop shutters, rickshaw screens, and several vehicles, causing extensive damage.
Gujranwala CPO Rana Ayaz Saleem disclosed that Rana Iftikhar was specifically targeted while returning from the court. Nooran Bibi sustained injuries, and the driver remained unharmed.
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He said teams have been formed to apprehend the accused promptly.
The incident is rooted in a longstanding feud between two groups, Mehar group and Rana group. Previous attacks and casualties have fuelled the animosity, with the police confirming that the Mehar group retaliated, resulting in the deaths of five members of the Rana Khari group.
The on-going feud has claimed a total of nine lives.
The police assure the public that the accused will be swiftly brought to justice. The IGP has taken notice of the incident, calling for a detailed report and directing the expedited arrest of the perpetrators.
Disputes among the people ranging from animosity within extended families to land disputes frequently take an ugly turn.
Published in The Express Tribune, November 16th, 2023.
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