Premeditated murder: Jeweller, two guards gunned down

Three, sons among them, seriously injured; police clueless about assailants’ motive.

ISLAMABAD:

Three people were killed and as many were seriously injured when their vehicle was attacked in Jagiot in the jurisdiction of Bani Gala Police Station on Wednesday.

Talking to The Express Tribune, investigation officer (IO) Assistant Sub-Inspector Muhammad Ashraf said that Gulzeb, a jeweller by profession, was on the way to his shop in Bhara Kahu when the incident took place. He was travelling in his SUV along with his sons Janzeb and Shahzeb and three armed guards.

“When they reached Jagiot, four assailants in a white car intercepted them and opened indiscriminate fire on their vehicle,” he said, adding that all those on board were critically injured and brought to Polyclinic Hospital by passersby.

“Gulzeb and his guard Tufail Khan succumbed to their injuries on the way to the hospital,” said Safdar, one of the men who shifted them there. Another guard, Amir Abbas, died in the hospital whereas Gulzeb’s children and Gul Safeen, were hospitalised with severe injuries.



The police said that Gulzeb, who was riding in the front seat, received the majority of bullets, mostly in his chest and neck.

Eye witnesses said that an exchange of fire took place between the armed guards and the assailants. “One of the guards retaliated and injured some of the attackers,” said Asif, a local, adding that the assailants nevertheless managed to flee the scene.

The police reportedly cordoned off the area but no arrests have been made so far. “We have preserved the crime scene, a police team is examining it and has also collected evidence,” said the IO.

He further said City SP, DSP and Bani Gala SHO had immediately reached the scene of the crime and examined the evidence.

The motive behind the attack could not be ascertained. “He was a humble and social person who was always found smiling,” said Ramzan, a local shopkeeper.

The police officer said the deceased had no enmity with anyone nor had he received any threats.

He said family members are yet to be interrogated as they are in extreme shock, adding that police will question them after the deceased’s funeral.

“We will investigate the crime from every angle and won’t give up till the culprits are arrested,” said the IO.

No FIR was registered till the filing of this story as no statement has been given by any family member.

The medico-legal officer at Polyclinic Dr Tanveer Malik, said that seven people were brought to the hospital out of which three had succumbed to their injuries.

“Three of the injured are in critical condition and still in the surgical intensive care unit while one is in a relatively stable condition,” he said. According to the post-mortem report, the deceased men received multiple injuries to the chest and abdomen.

The doctor said the bodies were handed over to their respective families after the post-mortem.

Published in The Express Tribune, June 6^th, 2013.