Five killed in family feud

Quarrel over disputed land between cousins leads to several injuries too

BATTAGRAM:

At least five people including four members of the same family were gunned down in a premeditated ambush allegedly carried out by a rival group in Chham Syedan Takri on Saturday.

The victims, identified as Haji Shehzada, Syed Muzrab Shah, Ziaullah Shah (son of Haji Shehzada) and Naseer Shah (son of Shehzada Jan), were travelling along a local road when they came under attack. One of the attackers, Anwar Ali Shah, reportedly shot and killed his cousin, Syed Azam Shah, during the chaos.

The quarrel between the parties had initially started over the cutting of trees on disputed land. Among those killed were two brothers and a son, while one person was from the opposing side.

According to the police, the incident occurred after Fajr prayer when a dispute escalated between cousins Shehzada, Anwar Ali Shah and others. The argument quickly turned violent, leading to gunfire. Along with firing, sticks and stones were also used as weapons.

As a result, Shehzada, his son Ziaullah Shah, and his brother Muzrab Shah, all from the same family were killed, while Anwar Ali Shah from the opposing side also lost his life. The injured include Sohail Shah, Shabbir Shah, Nasrullah Shah, Habibullah Shah and a woman, who belonged to either party.

As per initial reports, the primary suspect, Syed Azam Shah son of Nazir Shah managed to escape the scene. However, police have confirmed the arrest of Ahmed Qayyum Shah, son of Gulab Shah, another key suspect in the case. Authorities have also named additional accused individuals, including a son and two nephews of Anwar Ali Shah and a son of Ahmed Qayyum Shah, who are currently at large.

Residents stated that the cousins had been involved in a land dispute for the past 30 years. Despite several cases in different courts and attempts by local elders and religious leaders through jirgas and Shariah to resolve the issue, no resolution had been reached.

Following the incident, both sides filed FIRs at the Koza Banda police station. One party named 14 individuals, while the other named 10. According to the Koza Banda SHO, nine accused from both sides have been apprehended and the search for the remaining accused is ongoing.

The local community has expressed grave concern over the deteriorating law and order situation and is calling on the District Police Officer of Battagram to take swift action. Residents urged authorities to apprehend all suspects involved and to monitor those allegedly supporting or sheltering the perpetrators. Elders of the region and law enforcement agencies have been strongly urged to act promptly to prevent further bloodshed and restore peace in the troubled area of Chham Sadat.