Young man murdered over Rs20,000 mobile phone

The city of Peshawar was shaken by the brutal killing of a young man over a mobile phone worth just Rs20,000.

The tragic incident, which left the victim's mother devastated, has also highlighted the effectiveness of the Capital City Police's rapid, technology-driven investigative response.

On January 2, a group of snatchers held Shah Zeb, a young man, hostage near his home. When he resisted, the assailants opened fire, killing him on the spot before fleeing. A case under Section 396 was registered at Pishtakhara Police Station by his father, Murtaza.

Taking swift notice, Peshawar CCPO Dr Mian Saeed and SSP Operations Farhan Khan directed immediate arrests. A special investigative team, led by SP Cantt Division Abdullah Ehsan and comprising DSP Pashtakhara Circle Umar Afridi, SHO Iftikhar Ahmed, and other officers, was formed to track the perpetrators.

Using modern technology, technical evidence, and forensic investigation, police successfully arrested both suspects, Saeedullah alias "Dinosaur" and Shah Zib alias "Gophi." During questioning, the duo confessed to the killing as well as involvement in several other serious crimes.

While taking the suspects to the crime scene today, unknown motorcyclists suddenly opened fire near a local graveyard. Though the police team remained unharmed, both suspects in custody were killed on the spot. The attackers managed to escape.

DSP Umar Afridi, leading a reinforced team, immediately secured the scene, collected crucial evidence, and launched a search operation to apprehend the fleeing gunmen. Checkpoints have been established at key city entrances and exits, and strict inspections are ongoing. Police officials have assured that the remaining attackers will be brought to justice soon.

SP Cantt Abdullah Ehsan confirmed to The Express Tribune that the deceased suspects were the same snatchers responsible for Shah Zeb's murder on January 2. The incident remains an irreplaceable loss for the victim's family and a sobering reminder for society. At the same time, the case underscores both the severity of street crime and the police's investigative efficiency, technological use, and enforcement of the law.