NAROWAL: A man, enraged over the failure of his marriage, killed four members of his former wife’s family and injured two others on Wednesday before setting their house on fire in Khushal village, Zafarwal tehsil, Narowal district.

The alleged attacker also died due to critical burns he suffered due to smoke and fire.

Suspect Muhammad Ikram, armed with modern automatic weapons, stormed into the home of ex-farther-in-law 65-year-old Abdul Ghani and opened fire on the family. He shot and killed Ghani’s wife 65-year-old Hajra Bibi, ex-wife 30-year-old Alia Bibi, Alia’s sister 36-year-old Asma Bibi, and Asma’s 10-year-old son Abdullah.

Ghani and 42-year-old Saima Bibi sustained serious injuries.

After the shooting, Ikram set the house on fire and locked himself in a room.

Rescue 1122 and police teams arrived at the scene. Their efforts to arrest Ikram were hindered by the fire and smoke. Rescue 1122 controlled the blaze with its fire brigade teams.

Three people died at the scene due to severe injuries, while Abdullah succumbed to his injuries en route to Zafarwal Tehsil Headquarters (THQ) Hospital.

The police negotiated with the suspect, who surrendered after smoke filled the room.

Ikram, who was injured, received first aid from Rescue 1122 before being taken into custody by Zafarwal police.

The police said that the police were transferring Ikram from Zafarwal to the Narowal District Headquarters Hospital for treatment but he died on the way due to a critical condition.

According to locals, Ikram had married Alia Bibi in court. Later, both developed differences and tensions arose between the suspect and Alia’s family. Alia reportedly refused to live with Ikram after their marriage and terminated marriage.

Neighbours also claimed that Ikram was a drug addict.

The injured were receiving treatment in hospital, while the bodies were shifted to the Zafarwal THQ Hospital for post-mortem and legal formalities.

Initial investigations suggest the incident stemmed from issues related to the failed love marriage.

The police are looking into the issue.

Published in Dawn, December 12th, 2024