Balaj Tipu murder suspect killed 'by accomplices'

Police blame botched attempt to escape for encounter

LAHORE:

A man detained in the Balaj Tipu murder case has been killed allegedly by firing of his accomplices during a police encounter.

According to Iqbal Town Organised Crime Unit DSP Muhammad Ali Butt, the police were taking Ahsan Shah, an accused in the Balaj Tipu murder case, to Shadbagh for pointing out evidence when his accomplices opened fire on them to help him escape.

Ahsan was hit in firing of his accomplices and died, the police said.

The police team escaped the firing and the attackers fled from the scene.

Lahore Organised Crime Unit DIG Imran Kishwar has formed a team under the supervision of DSP Muhammad Ali to arrest the fleeing suspects and the police were conducting a search operation in the area. The DSP said the attackers would be arrested soon.

A few months ago, Balaj Tipu had been murdered during the wedding ceremony of a retired DSP's son in the Chung area.

During the investigation into the murder case, it was revealed that Ahsan Shah, a close friend of the deceased, had provided information to the attackers and had been involved in the recce.

Ahsan had been arrested by the police a few days after the incident.

The encounter took place when the police were taking Ahsan from the jail to the Shadbagh area for pointing out evidence and his accomplices opened fire.

The body was shifted to a morgue and tne police said investigations into the incident were under way.

Ameer Balaj, 34, had been shot dead by a 'shooter' who also had been shot dead in the crossfire when the guards of the victim retaliated. Balaj's younger brother Ameer Mussab had nominated Gogi Butt and Teefi Butt in the first information report (FIR).