TAXILA: A man who allegedly kidnapped and molested a three-year-old minor boy in Attock a few days ago was killed during a ‘shootout’ with police on Thursday.

The police spokesperson claimed that the suspect was killed by accomplice during an exchange of fire.

According to the spokesperson, Saeed Mohammad reported to Attock City Police on April 15 that his son, identified as Abu Bakkar, was playing outside his house when an unknown person abducted him.

Police got some images of the man through CCTV cameras installed outside commercial and residential buildings. The suspect abandoned the boy on the outskirts of the city after police intensified checking on exit points in the city.

Later, police took the minor into custody, and a medical examination confirmed that the minor was molested. Police registered an abduction and assault case against an unknown person and launched a hunt for the suspect.

The spokesman said that through human and digital intelligence, the police traced the whereabouts of the suspect.

Subsequently, a police raid was conducted to arrest the suspect. Observing the police party, the suspect opened fire to escape, so they retaliated.

The spokesman has claimed that during the shootout, the suspect was shot dead by his companion, who managed to escape from the scene successfully, the police said.

Later, the body was shifted to the district headquarters hospital for an autopsy.

Published in Dawn, April 20th, 2024