Man shot dead in front of family

Two others injured in separate mugging incidents in garrison city

RAWALPINDI:

In a series of three robbery incidents within 12 hours, one person lost his life, while two others sustained injuries in Rawalpindi.

According to sources, the police have initiated investigations into all three cases, though no arrests have been made thus far.

The first incident occurred in the Bashindot area within the jurisdiction of Kallar Syedan police station. During the robbery, unidentified assailants on motorcycles shot Abid Hussain, the sole breadwinner of his family, in front of his wife and young son.

The perpetrators, after snatching gold jewellery, cash, and a mobile phone from the victim’s wife, opened fire when confronted by Abid Hussain. The locals quickly reported the incident, prompting the Kallar Syedan police to arrive at the scene, gather crucial evidence, and transport the deceased’s body to the hospital for post-mortem.

A case has been registered against the unknown culprits for robbery and murder. Forensic teams and the HIU unit of the police are actively investigating the matter.

In the second incident that occurred within the jurisdiction of Sadiqabad police station, an elderly citizen named Muhammad Ali was shot and injured by assailants attempting to rob him. The 70-year-old victim resisted the theft of his mobile phone, leading to the attackers firing upon him. Muhammad Ali has been hospitalised, and his condition is reported to be stable.

The third incident unfolded in the Gulzar-e-Quaid area, where two individuals attempted to rob 24-year-old Mohammad Aqib. Aqib’s resistance resulted in the assailants stabbing him, causing serious injuries. Eyewitnesses alerted Rescue 1122 personnel who provided initial medical assistance before transferring Aqib to the hospital.

Cop, son’s killing

Interior Secretary Aftab Akbar Durrani Monday took notice of the killing of Head Constable Muhammad Ashraf and his son by robbers in Islamabad.

Expressing deep sorrow over the martyrdom of the father-son duo, the secretary sought a report from Islamabad Inspector General of Police Akbar Nasir Khan about the incident.

He paid tributes to the martyred policeman, who along with his son tried to foil the dacoity attempt by the robbers risking their lives. The secretary directed the IGP to take all possible measures for improving improve peace and security in Islamabad and ensure the protection of the citizens.

Earlier on Sunday, the police personnel and his young son were killed by armed bandits for offering resistance during a snatching bid.

Head constable Muhammad Ashraf and his son were martyred in Ramna police station limits in the federal capital.

The accused easily managed to escape from the spot as the police failed to arrest them despite the blockade.

Police sources told The Express Tribune that the martyred head constable and his son saw the suspects committing robbery and tried to stop them, but the accused fired indiscriminately and killed them.

As soon as the incident was reported, senior police officers reached the spot, but despite searching the entire area, the police could not trace the whereabouts of the accused.

Offenses such as mobile snatching and motorbike thefts have witnessed a relentless uptick, exacerbating the prevailing climate of fear and vulnerability amongst the populace.

To staunch the tide of escalating street crimes, it is incumbent upon law enforcement authorities to undertake immediate and resolute measures. The police structure must undergo drastic reformation, which should include bolstering law enforcement and engaging local communities.

Published in The Express Tribune, December 19^th, 2023.