FAISALABAD: Millat Town police allegedly killed two matriculation students in an “encounter” on Wednesday night, claiming that both opened fire during a chase.

The killing of Usman and Arslan of Muslim Town led to a protest by their family members and villagers who gathered at the Allied Hospital Chowk and threw traffic out of gear for hours.

City Police Officer Ashfaq Ahmed Khan said a five-member committee, comprising SSP (Operations) Sultan Haider (convener), SSP (investigation) Syed Nadeem, Madina Town SP Asif Amin, SP (legal) Farhat Abbas and DSP Nishat Abad Qaiser Musthaq, has been formed to probe into the issue.

He said the committee would finalise its report within 24 hours and stern action would be taken against the policemen if found guilty.

Claim boys fired on cops during chase

Police registered an encounter case against the boys under sections 186, 324, 365 and 13/20/65.

According to FIR, a police team signalled the boys to stop near Kalash Road, however, they sped away. During a chase, the suspects fired on the police team. The suspects were killed in retaliation. Not a single policeman sustained even a minor injury during the ‘crossfire’.

Police said they had taken shelter of their motorcycles during the ‘crossfire’ and tried to burst the tyres of the suspects’ bike. The boys sustained injuries and were shifted to the hospital.

Two pistols along with as many empty magazines were also seized from the spot, police said.

The protesters allegedly roughed up some motorists and exchanged words with them. They threw traffic out of gear and did not allow even ambulances to enter the Allied hospital which was just a few meters away from the protest point.

Sensing furious behaviour of the agitators, a police contingent was deployed in and outside the hospital.

A group of enraged protesters blocked the hospital mortuary gate and hurled abuses at the policemen who were present there. The CPO said the committee had been directed to record statements of all the parties including officials of Rescue 1122. Besides, he said DSP Organised Crime (CIA) Saleem Haider Shah would provide the technical and scientific assistance.

A murder case has been registered against ASI Javeed Akhtar, head constable Asghar Ali, constable Falak Sher, Faisal (a terminated constable) and volunteer Waqas.

Published in Dawn, August 10th, 2018