Young man injured in 'police encounter' dies

JARANWALA:

A young man injured in a police encounter in the Saddar Jaranwala area passed away at Allied Hospital on Thursday morning, sparking protests from his relatives.

The deceased, identified as Saleem, 32, was shot during a police raid in Chak 94 GB Shahkot Road, along with another man, Shabbir, 30. The police had launched the raid to apprehend suspects involved in robbery and harbouring an absconder.

Dozens of Saleem's relatives gathered outside the hospital's mortuary, chanting slogans and demanding justice. The protesters accused the police of using excessive force during the raid.

A large police contingent was deployed to the scene to manage the situation, and the body of the deceased was handed over to the family after a post-mortem examination.

A police party from, led by ASI Rafaqat Ali, conducted a raid on Wednesday morning based on the identification of suspects wanted in a robbery case.

The raid escalated when local residents, reportedly including women, resisted the police and opened fire, taking the officers hostage and allegedly stealing cash and mobile phones.

In the ensuing crossfire, Shabbir and Saleem were injured.

The police reportedly fled the scene, abandoning their vehicle.

Saleem succumbed to his injuries the following day, leading to the public outcry.

The Saddar Jaranwala police have since registered a case against the injured and fleeing suspects under charges of police encounter, robbery, and harbouring a fugitive.