Clash over land leaves 13 injured

Police arrest nine suspects after exchange of fire between rival groups in Havelian

ABBOTTABAD:

Thirteen people were injured in an exchange of fire between two rival groups over a land dispute in Chotala, an area of Havelian tehsil. The injured were shifted to Ayub Medical Complex after receiving first aid, while police registered a case and arrested several suspects.

According to police, a long-standing land dispute existed between Wajahat Khan and Saleem Khan within the limits of Nara police station. On Wednesday morning, the two groups confronted each other and the dispute escalated into an armed clash, during which both sides opened fire, leaving 13 people injured.

All the injured were first shifted to the Type-D Hospital in Havelian before being referred to Ayub Medical Complex for further treatment.

On the directions of District Police Officer Haroonur Rashid Khan, police registered a case under Sections 324 and 34 of the Pakistan Penal Code.

Under the supervision of the SP Havelian, seven suspects from one group and two from the rival side were arrested.

Further investigation is underway, while additional police personnel have been deployed to maintain law and order.