MUZAFFARABAD: A newly-wed couple was shot dead by the bride’s uncle in Rawalakot district of Azad Kashmir on Wednesday, it has been learnt.

The incident happened in Mohra Kotera area of Rawalakot district where 19-year-old Aliza and her husband Owais were allegedly killed by suspect Niaz Khan, said City police station SHO Aijaz.

The couple, who reportedly got married four days ago, was living in a rented house where Niaz attacked and opened fire on the couple, police said.

The owner of the house was the first to arrive at the scene who subsequently informed police about the incident, but by then Niaz had fled the crime scene.

Police, however, has arrested four suspected accomplices of Niaz while raids are being carried out to arrest the prime suspect.

The couple had reportedly married against the will of their family on which the bride’s uncle was very upset, the police official said.

The families of victims staged protest on Rawalakot Muzaffarabad Road and blocked the main highway by placing the bodies on the road.

They vowed to continue the protest till the arrest of culprits, however, the district officials persuaded them to call off their protest by giving them assurances that the suspects will soon be arrested — to which they agreed.