Five killed, three injured in Bhakkar land dispute

Six-inch strip of land allegedly sparks clash in Basti Chandia

BHAKKAR:

A minor land dispute in Bhakkar turned deadly on Saturday when a clash over a narrow strip of land and a water channel escalated into a gun battle, leaving five people dead and three others seriously injured.

The incident occurred in Basti Chandia, within the limits of Behal police station, where a dispute over irrigation access and a small piece of land reportedly triggered the violence.

According to police sources, the clash began over a six-inch strip of land near a watercourse, but quickly escalated into a bloody exchange of gunfire between rival groups.

As a result, five people were killed on the spot, while three others sustained serious injuries.

The dead and injured were shifted to District Headquarters Hospital Bhakkar, where the bodies were handed over to heirs after post-mortem examinations.

Funeral prayers for the deceased were later offered in their native area, attended by a large number of residents and people from different walks of life.

A pall of grief descended over the locality, particularly as three of the deceased belonged to the same family.

Police identified the deceased as 45-year-old Muhammad Aslam, son of Muhammad Abdu, and his two sons, 18-year-old Muhammad Azhar and 19-year-old Mazhar Abbas.

The other two victims were identified as 28-year-old Niaz Niazi, and 28-year-old Wasim Sajjad.

The killing of three members of one family in the same incident triggered scenes of grief and mourning in the area.

The injured were identified as 30-year-old Sajjad Hussain, 35-year-old Shafi and 60-year-old Amanullah.

All three were shifted to DHQ Hospital Bhakkar, where they are receiving treatment. Hospital sources said one of the injured remains in critical condition.

District Police Officer (DPO) Bhakkar Shahzad Rafiq Awan took notice of the incident and said those responsible would be brought to justice.

He said special teams had been formed to arrest the suspects and raids were being carried out at multiple locations.

"No one will be allowed to take the law into their own hands. Justice will be ensured for the affected family," the DPO said.

Meanwhile, Medical Superintendent DHQ Hospital Bhakkar Dr Haroon Tahir said all injured persons and bodies were shifted to the hospital immediately after the incident.