PESHAWAR: A suspect snatched gun from a policeman while being taken to lockup and shot dead a cop before escaping here on Saturday, police said.

They said the incident took place in the precincts of Regi Model Town police station on the outskirts of the city.

SSP operations Javed Iqbal confirmed the incident and said the police had arrested a suspect of peddling crystal meth and he was being taken to the police station when he snatched gun from a policeman and killed police driver identified as Arifullah.

He said the accused managed to escape from the scene and a search was on for his arrest.

Meanwhile, police chief Salahuddin Khan Mehsud, taking notice of the cop’s killing, suspended the Regi Model Town SHO and ordered an inquiry into the incident.

A statement issued here said the police chief had suspended SHO Regi Model Town for his ineffective command, failing to ensure that his subordinate officials wore bulletproof jackets, hamlets and negligence while transporting an accused to the police station.

The statement said DIG inquiry and inspection had been directed to investigate the incident and submit report within three days. Funeral prayers of the slain cop were offered at the police lines.

Published in Dawn, September 23rd, 2018