Man shot dead on way to court

Family stages protest, demands arrest of suspects, action against police officials

KHANEWAL:

A 22-year-old man was shot dead by armed assailants while on his way to attend a court hearing in Kabirwala, allegedly as a result of a long-standing tribal feud.

The deceased, identified as Mursaleen Tayyab Hanjra, came under attack near Jhandeer Kassi in the jurisdiction of Nawan Shehr Police Station.

Police and family sources said more than eight armed suspects allegedly ambushed him and opened fire with Kalashnikovs and rifles, leaving him critically injured.

The attackers reportedly fled the scene towards the Mamdal area after the shooting. The incident is said to be linked to an old rivalry between the Hanjra and Kartwana communities in the Head Sardar Pur area, which falls under the jurisdiction of Sarai Sidhu Police Station in Kabirwala police circle.

Family members immediately called Rescue 1122 for medical assistance.

However, Mursaleen Tayyab succumbed to his injuries before help could arrive.

On the complaint of the victim's father, Muhammad Tayyab Hanjra, Nawan Shehr Police registered a case against the nominated suspects, identified as Muhammad Hanif Kartwana, Muhammad Asif Kartwana, Muhammad Kashif Kartwana, Qaiser, Sagheer Ahmed, Abdul Razzaq and Muhammad Bilal, along with other unidentified accomplices.

Following the killing, members of the Hanjra community staged a protest by placing the victim's body on Multan Road outside the Tehsil Headquarters (THQ) Hospital in Kabirwala.

The demonstration continued for nearly two hours, causing traffic disruption and drawing a large crowd.

The protesters chanted slogans against DSP Kabirwala Chaudhry Munawar Gujjar and the SHO of Sarai Sidhu Police Station, accusing police of failing to act against proclaimed offenders allegedly associated with the rival group.

The victim's relatives claimed that wanted suspects frequently remained present in residential areas of Muhammad Pur Nasheb and Sardar Pur but were not arrested despite police being aware of their whereabouts.

They alleged that timely action by law enforcement could have prevented the killing.

The victim's mother and other family members were seen mourning during the protest and demanded arrest of the suspects.

The bereaved family appealed to Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz and the Inspector General of Police Punjab to ensure the arrest of the accused and take action against those responsible for negligence.

Police said investigations are underway and efforts are being made to arrest the suspects named in the case.