ISLAMABAD: A labourer was killed and another injured during a scuffle with a police constable when the latter allegedly opened fire with his official weapon apparently in self defence, police said on Wednesday.

The incident took place at Sohan area of Islamabad when a police constable, working with the Anti-Terrorism Squad, was attacked by a group of five to six labourers carrying axes. The constable, who had recently hired a house at Sohan, had a dispute with the labourers over some petty issue on Tuesday. However, the situation was settled following the intervention of some local people.

According to police, the constable was intercepted by a group of five to six labourers armed with axes on Wednesday. After exchange of harsh words, the labourers allegedly attacked the constable causing injuries to him.

During the scuffle, the policeman pulled out his pistol and opened fire on the “attackers”. As a result, two labourers sustained bullet injuries. The injured were taken to a hospital where one of them, identified as Raees, was pronounced dead.

The constable managed to flee from the scene after the incident and so far the police have failed to find out his whereabouts.

According to the police, a complaint has been filed by the heirs of the deceased labourer against the accused policeman, but so far the case has not been registered.

Published in Dawn, October 5th, 2023