Gunmen shoot milk seller in Kabirwala

Victim hit by multiple bullets as crime wave grips Chenab belt

KABIRWALA:

A milk seller was injured after armed criminals allegedly opened fire on him for refusing to pay extortion in the Kabirwala area, police said on Monday.

The victim, identified as Muhammad Imran, son of Talib Khandoia and a resident of Mamdal, sustained more than six bullet wounds, mostly in his legs, leaving him in critical condition.

He was initially provided first aid by Rescue 1122 and later shifted to Nishtar Hospital, Multan.

According to reports, the incident occurred early in the morning near the Chenab flood bund limits of Nawanshehr police station, close to Satiyanwala Dars.

The victim had reached the area to collect milk when at least two armed men, allegedly belonging to a local gang, emerged from a nearby maize field and opened fire.

As Imran fell to the ground after being hit, the assailants allegedly set his motorcycle on fire to spread fear before fleeing the scene. The sound of gunfire created panic in the locality.

Local residents said that incidents of firing have increased in recent days in areas along the Chenab belt, including Mamdal, Khokhar, Mohabbat Targarr, Jhok Azeem and Salar Wahin.

They claimed that armed groups have carried out multiple attacks over the past week, challenging law enforcement agencies.

In his initial statement, the injured man alleged that the suspects had been demanding monthly extortion and had threatened him with dire consequences if he continued collecting milk in the area without paying them.

Station House Officer (SHO) Nawanshehr said that efforts were underway to arrest the accused and expressed confidence that all suspects would be apprehended within 24 hours.