NAROWAL: Five people, including a couple and their two daughters, were allegedly killed by their rivals over a land dispute at Sanyal village on Wednesday.

The suspects fled the scene brandishing weapons after the murders.

Muhammad Razzak, a resident of Sunyal village in Pasrur tehsil, Sialkot, told police that his younger brother, Muhammad Javed, and his family members were returning home after working in the fields. As they reached Sanyal village, their rivals allegedly opened fire with automatic weapons.

The attack left Muhammad Javed, 42, his wife Ruqia, 38, their daughters Iman Fatima, 14, Iram Javed, 18 and passerby Rashida Bibi, 50 seriously injured.

Rescue 1122 rushed to the spot. Javed, his wife and both daughters were pronounced dead at the scene due to gunshot wounds to the head and neck.
Rashida Bibi, who was critically injured, was rushed to the Sialkot DHQ Hospital but she succumbed to her injuries on arrival.

District Police Officer (DPO) Muhammad Hassan Iqbal arrived at the scene with force. He ordered the blockade of all entry and exit routes in Sialkot district to arrest the suspects.

A team, led by the SP Investigation, has been formed. On the complaint of Razzak, Sabzpir police have registered a first information report against Shehzad, Ijaz, Muhammad Irshad, Muhammad Iqbal and three unidentified suspects.

The police investigation team collected evidence and recorded statements from eyewitnesses at the scene. The bodies have been taken into custody and shifted to Pasrur Tehsil Headquarters Hospital for a post-mortem examination and legal procedures.

DPO Hassan Iqbal said police were using human intelligence and modern technology to apprehend the suspects.

Meanwhile, Punjab IGP Dr Usman Anwar has sought a report from the Sialkot DPO and ordered the immediate arrest of the suspects.

Published in Dawn, August 15th, 2024