Land dispute sparks gun battle in Pindi

Two persons injured as police book over 40 suspects under terrorism charges

RAWALPINDI:

Heavy gunfire erupted between two rival groups over a land dispute in the VIP Sector of Airport Housing Society, within the jurisdiction of Sadar Beruni police station, leaving one person from each group injured.

Police registered a case against more than 40 suspects under the Anti-Terrorism Act, attempted murder and other charges.

According to police, Inspector Noor Muhammad stated in the FIR that Rescue 15 informed the police about heavy firing between two groups in Street No. 2 of VIP Block. A police team reached the spot and found both groups exchanging intense gunfire over a land dispute.

Police identified members of the Khokhar group, including Hassan Habib Khokhar, Amir Habib Khokhar and 25 unidentified armed men, while the Raja group included Raja Jehangzeb and 15 unidentified armed men. Despite repeated warnings by police to stop firing, both groups allegedly continued firing and resisted police intervention.

Police said the Khokhar group had parked vehicles on the road, blocking the public thoroughfare. During the exchange of fire, one member from each group was injured. Both groups allegedly removed their injured companions while continuing to fire and fled in their vehicles.