Three detained over suspected links to killers of Lahore cops

Police claimed to have detained three people, including a rickshaw driver, for questioning over their suspected links to target killers allegedly involved in the recent killing of three policemen in Lahore, as investigators widen their probe into the attackers' network and possible facilitators.

According to police sources, the rickshaw driver, a resident of Manawan, is suspected of facilitating the movement of the alleged target killers by transporting them to the site of the second attack.

Investigators are also examining his alleged presence in Badami Bagh when the first attack occurred.

The detentions were made on the basis of information gathered during the initial investigation. Police teams are conducting raids at various locations to trace other suspected members and facilitators of the network.

Investigators are also examining the movements of the suspects after they allegedly hijacked a Lahore Waste Management Company (LWMC) vehicle.

Sources said the vehicle was fitted with a tracker, which enabled police to monitor its movements.

According to the sources, the suspects abandoned the vehicle and its driver near Muridke after allegedly realising that it was being tracked. They later attempted to take shelter at a house in the Ravi Rayan area, where police tracked their movements through surveillance footage and other evidence.

The probe is also focused on the background and contacts of alleged target killer Rehan Butt and his associates.

Police reportedly recovered hand grenades from Rehan's house in Misri Shah and are investigating members of his and Fayyaz Butt's families to determine their alleged links with the suspects and any possible facilitation.

Investigators are further examining the possible involvement of police personnel who may have remained in contact with the suspects.

Their mobile phone records and social media accounts are being scrutinised to determine whether the alleged killers obtained information about police operations, personnel movements or other sensitive details.

Police sources said Rehan, Fayyaz and their accomplice Tariq switched off their mobile phones after allegedly opening fire on Sub-Inspector Adeel Ashiq and Head Constable Asad in Badami Bagh, apparently to prevent investigators from tracing their locations.

Tariq, who remains at large, is the subject of a separate search operation, with police conducting raids at various locations.

Investigators are also attempting to establish who allegedly supplied the suspects with weapons, transport and hideouts.

The investigation gained further significance after Rehan and Fayyaz were reportedly killed in a police encounter in the Ravi Rayan area, while Tariq managed to escape.