The first floor of Ghani Khan’s house was badly damaged in the blaze. Fortunately the residents fled to a nearby house in time. PHOTO: EXPRESS
Police was reportedly routine patrol in Dheli Dher Tuesday evening when they spotted three men with AK-47s. They asked the men to hand over their weapons, but the gunmen tried to escape.
A 14-year-old Afghan boy, Nazakat, was killed in the ensuing gunfight. The three accused, however, managed to flee. They were later identified as brothers Israel Khan and Syed Nawaz, and their relative Amir Nawaz.
Later, Badhaber police led by SHO Granullah raided the house of the accused and allegedly set it on fire. The officers have also been accused of taking away valuables.
A large number of officers are said to have set the house on fire, as well as rammed it with an armoured personnel vehicle.
“The police have no right to set a house on fire, even if it was a criminal’s house,” Ghani Khan, homeowner and father of two accused, told The Express Tribune. The residence was badly damaged, especially the first floor. “The children and women were able to flee to a nearby house and save their lives.”
The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf government and the IGP should take notice of the incident and act against the accused SHO, demanded the irate homeowner.
When contacted, an official of the local police station said their version of the story has been recorded in the FIR. “SHO Granuallah was on patrol when three men opened fire at the police in Shaheed Garhi in Dheli Dher, killing a bystander, Nazakat, an Afghan refugee.”
A case has been registered against Israel Khan, Syed Nawaz and Amir Nawaz, all residents of Mashogagar, added the policeman.
Published in The Express Tribune, October 31st, 2013.
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