ISLAMABAD, Feb 14: A taxi driver was shot dead by some men who escaped in his car after taking his seven-day-old son hostage here on Wednesday, police said.

Basharat Ali, 28, a resident of Tarlai, was taking his son to the hospital along with his wife and mother when some men, including Ejaz, a proclaimed offender, intercepted them at the hospital’s parking area. They forced the occupants out of the car and started thrashing Basharat. They then shot him on his legs and escaped in his car along with his son.

The injured man was shifted to the hospital but he died due to profuse bleeding. According to doctors, the victim received bullet wounds to his left knee and right thigh. Bruises were also found on his face and legs.

Meanwhile, when the killers reached Khana Bridge, they stopped a bus conductor and gave him the child along with his address. They then parked the taxi alongside the road in a deserted area and escaped.

Police said, one of the accused, Ejaz, was a proclaimed offender and was involved in various cases. He was arrested by Kotli Sattian police some years ago from the taxi of Basharat Ali. Ejaz suspected Basharat behind his arrest and shot him in revenge, the police claim.— Staff Reporter