Youth shot dead by cop during raid

Dispenser killed while filming police action; officer arrested

LAYYAH:

A young man was allegedly shot dead by a police officer during a raid in Layyah, while in a separate incident a teenager was killed by a friend following a dispute, police and family members said, as both cases triggered outrage in the area.

The first incident occurred in Basti Manak, Jaman Shah, where 20-year-old Muhammad Naveed, lost his life after being shot by a sub-inspector, according to officials and eyewitnesses.

A police party from Sadar police station, led by Sub-Inspector Sajjad Bashir, had conducted a raid in Chak 149-CTDA to arrest a suspect identified as Ghulam Fareed.

Naveed, who worked as a dispenser at a private clinic run by Dr Absar Sirati, was returning home from work in the evening when he noticed people in plain clothes entering a neighbour's house.

Suspecting something unusual, he began recording a video on his mobile phone.

Witnesses said the sub-inspector opened fire, and a bullet struck Naveed in the neck, passing through to the other side. He died on the spot.

Locals said other police personnel fled after the shooting, while residents surrounded and caught the sub-inspector.

A video that later surfaced on social media allegedly shows the officer pointing a pistol at people at the scene.

DSP Sadar and SHO Sadar reached the area soon after.

MNA Malik Owais Haider Jhakhar and former provincial minister Ejaz Ahmad Achlana also visited and demanded strict legal action.

DPO Layyah Hassan Javed confirmed that the sub-inspector had been arrested, locked up, and a murder case registered against him. He said no leniency would be shown and promised justice for the family.

Dr Absar Sirati said Naveed was his parents' only son and had been supporting his poor family for the past three years.

His father, Muhammad Akram, described him as obedient and hardworking and appealed to the Punjab chief minister and inspector general of police for justice.

In a separate incident, 19-year-old Hassan Ali of Mohalla Hafizabad was shot dead a day after an argument with friends at Jinnah Park. A relative, Muhammad Imran Hans, said the dispute had ended with harsh words, but the next day Hassan's friend Zakaullah alias Zaki Hans arrived at his house with three accomplices. They called Hassan outside, and Zakaullah allegedly shot him in the abdomen. He died on the spot, while the suspects fled firing in the air.

Family members said Hassan's father works in Saudi Arabia and had arranged a visa for him, with his departure planned for next week.