LAHORE: Two people were killed and another was injured after two groups exchanged fire at a Shisha Café in Abu Bakar Block of Garden Town on Friday.

Police made two arrests and initially established that the shooting involved a woman upon whom the two sides clashed. However, a police source said the two sides, which used to share money earned from disputed deals and properties, had some other disputes.

Police claimed the café kept and running because of the Town Municipal Administration’s negligence as police were not allowed to raid and close any café itself.

Model Town SP (Operations) Baqir Raza told Dawn that four armed men came to the Shisha café at around 5pm and opened fire on its owner Ali Raza of Shadiwal, Johar Town, and manager Shahid of Misri Shah.

One of the attackers identified as Shahbaz, a security guard, also received fire from the gun held by Ali. Both Ali and Shahbaz succumbed to their wounds at Jinnah Hospital while Shahid was under treatment.

The SP said one of four suspects identified as Awais, who was sitting in a vehicle outside the cafe, escaped from the scene while two, Faheem and Asim, started running while displaying weapons. The Garden Town SHO, who was on patrol, rushed to the spot on an emergency call and saw two armed men fleeing.

He chased and forced them to surrender. An SMG and two pistols were seized from the suspects.

Quoting waiters of the café, the SP said the suspects came to the outlet in afternoon with a woman. They had an argument with owner Ali Raza over some issue and left, giving a warning. Later, they came back with a security guard to hit Ali. The SP while quoting the arrested suspects said they were sent by someone from Johar Town.

On the other hand, a police investigator said a dispute between Naeem Jutt and Ali Raza, who were once partners in their illegal activities, led to shooting.

GUNNED DOWN: A 45-year-old property dealer was gunned down allegedly by a man and his accomplices at Dikusha Park, Dhobi Ghar, Sandah, for being a witness against them in a case.

Preliminary police findings showed that victim, Malik Ishfaq alias Kala, of Juay Shah Road, Sandah, had appeared in the police station as witness to a kidnap-cum-firing incident against Awais Butt and his accomplices a couple of days back which led to an FIR against the suspects. Butt and his accomplices, said to be scoundrels, had abducted a man, identified as Asim, from his residence, snatched his mobile phone and some cash and then shot at and wounded him.

Awais and his father Nomi Butt nursed grudge against Ishfaq and targeted him when he was sitting at his real estate office.

The suspects fled the scene while police reportedly reached the spot after some time. The locals held a protest against the delay in police arrival. Police shifted the body for autopsy and registered a case.

Published in Dawn, November 8th , 2014