Hafizabad gang-rape prime suspect killed in encounter

Three accomplices flee after encounter

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HAFIZABAD:

A key suspect in a gang-rape case was killed in an alleged police encounter near Jorian in the Mangat Uncha area, while three of his accomplices managed to flee, according to officials from the Crime Control Department (CCD).

The CCD stated that the operation was conducted based on intelligence reports about the presence of suspects linked to a recent gang-rape incident.

During the raid, the suspects reportedly opened fire on law enforcement officers from inside a building.

Police retaliated in self-defence, and during the exchange of gunfire, one suspect, identified as Khawar, was fatally shot—allegedly by bullets fired by his own accomplices during the crossfire.

The remaining three suspects escaped and are currently being sought in an ongoing manhunt.

Police sources revealed that Khawar, along with his associates Ikraam Mangat, Laeeq and Chand, had allegedly abducted a husband and wife at gunpoint and subjected them to sexual assault. The suspects reportedly forced the couple to engage in intercourse while filming the incident.

The video was later shared online, sparking widespread outrage.

The incident prompted swift action from District Police Officer (DPO) Atif Nazir, who ordered an immediate investigation and crackdown on the accused.

Authorities confirmed that efforts are underway to apprehend the remaining suspects and that further legal proceedings will follow.

Earlier on Wednesday, the female complainant in a gang-rape case that took place in Mangat Uncha on April 25, recorded her statement under Section 164 of the Criminal Procedure Code before Civil Judge and Area Magistrate Ali Naqi Tipu, detailing the events involving abduction and assault.

Over a month after the incident of gang-rape and forced sexual abuse, police registered a First Information Report (FIR) on June 3.

The incident involved three armed men who allegedly gang-raped a woman in front of her husband at gunpoint, while one of the suspects recorded the assault on video. The case gained renewed urgency after the explicit footage surfaced on social media.