Mob attacks murder suspect in court

A serious security breach occurred at the Rawalpindi Judicial Complex when a group of enraged individuals launched a violent assault on a murder suspect during police custody during peak court hours on Saturday.

The suspect, Hammad—who is facing charges in a police custody killing case—was physically attacked by members of the complainant party, despite being handcuffed.

The mob, reportedly 15 to 20 individuals strong, began punching, kicking, and assaulting the accused in full view of law enforcement. In an effort to shield the suspect, police swiftly moved him into Courtroom No 27 and locked the door. However, the attackers pursued them, violently pounding on the courtroom door in an attempt to break in.

As chaos erupted, the presiding judge was forced to abandon the ongoing hearing and take refuge in his chambers. The locked door left lawyers and litigants trapped inside the courtroom for a significant period, while commotion continued outside.

The attackers continued to disrupt proceedings, assaulted police personnel, and attempted to forcibly enter the courtroom. After breaking through police checkpoints, they ultimately fled the Judicial Complex. The incident laid bare alarming gaps in the security arrangements for judicial officers, court staff, and detainees within the complex.

Following a written request by the investigating officer, a formal case was registered at Civil Lines Police Station under relevant penal codes. As of now, no arrests have been made.

Sub-Inspector Qamar Sadiq, posted at Saddar Bairooni Police Station and assigned to the investigation, said that the accused was brought to court to obtain physical remand. The complainant party, already present at the premises, launched a premeditated attack on the suspect.

He confirmed that he managed to secure the accused inside a courtroom, but the mob attempted to force their way in, attacking both the door and the officers present.

The disturbance led to a suspension of judicial proceedings, while police officers and attackers clashed outside the courtroom. The named individuals in the FIR included Raja Manan, Raja Matloob, Ghufran, and Raja Usman, along with other unidentified suspects.

All accused individuals managed to escape after breaking through police security barriers.