In a tragic incident on the second day of Eid, a father in the Madwala Township of Alipur, Dera Ghazi Khan, brutally slayed eight family members, including his wife and seven children, before fleeing the scene.
Upon receiving reports from local residents, Madwala police Chowki and SHO of Saddar Alipur police station Asmat Abbas, accompanied by a heavy police contingent reached the scene.
Regional Police Officer (RPO) Capt (retd) Sajjad Hassan Khan and DPO Muzaffargarh Hasnain Haider, also arrived at the scene. Speaking on the occasion, RPO Hasan Khan said the culprit would face severe punishment.
Police said Sajjad Husi Khokhar, a resident of Madwala Township, allegedly carried out the heinous act due to domestic disputes and financial hardship.
Sajjad Khokhar, a disabled tailor, reportedly used a sickle to brutally end the lives of his wife, Kausar Bibi,and seven children Ansa, 8, Kanza, 7, Ramsha, 6, Mehnaz, 5, Muhammad Anas, 3, Muhammad Subhan, 2 and Manza, 3 months.
The suspect fled in the presence of numerous witnesses, brandishing the murder weapon.
The Saddar police station swiftly arrested the suspect, Sajjad Hussain Khokhar, following a search operation in the area.
Residents revealed that disputes between the husband and wife were not uncommon, often revolving around domestic issues.
Upon receiving the information, SHO Police Station Saddar, Alipur Ismat Abbas, immediately led a team to the site, along with forensic experts who collected evidence.
Saddar Alipur police station has registered a case (271/24) under section 302 based on the complaint filed by sub-inspector Sajjad Hussain and initiated further investigation.
The accused was apprehended after the police cordoned off the area and is set to appear in the area magistrate's court for a two-day remand.
RPO Hassan Khan emphasised that the suspect will face severe punishment, ensuring that concrete evidence is presented in court to ensure justice for the victims.
Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif expressed her profound condolences over the heart-wrenching incident.
She directed the Inspector General of Punjab Police to swiftly compile a comprehensive report on the tragedy.
Stressing the importance of a thorough investigation, she urged for severe punishment for the perpetrator.
This tragic event follows closely on the heels of another disturbing incident in Punjab's Toba Tek Singh. Just days prior, a domestic dispute escalated tragically, claiming the lives of six family members, including five children and their mother.
The incident in Toba Tek Singh unfolded amidst a heated altercation between Nazia Bibi and her husband, Asghar Arain.
In a desperate and devastating act, Nazia poisoned the tea consumed by all the children, including herself.
These tragic events serve as stark reminders of the profound societal challenges facing many families, and the urgent need for comprehensive support systems to prevent such heart-wrenching tragedies.
Contacted for insights into the tragic incident, Consultant Psychiatrist Dr Zahir Ahmed at Allama Iqbal Teaching Hospital provided initial information, stating that individuals exhibiting such behaviour could be suffering from financial distress, personality disorders, or severe psychological distress.
He emphasised that even individuals addicted to substances could resort to such actions when their demands are not met.
Dr Zahir Ahmed further stated that a comprehensive assessment of the patient's medical history and case study is necessary to determine the underlying causes.
Published in The Express Tribune, April 13th, 2024.
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