KHANEWAL, Aug 3: Four of a family were gunned down reportedly for pursuing a murder case here on Sunday in 19/10-R, Katchakhu.

Six armed people broke into the house of Saifullah Niazi and opened indiscriminate fire leaving Saif, his wife Zubaida Bibi, son Qaisar Niazi and daughter Yasmeen dead there. Saif's two other daughters Rubab Bibi and Fauzia Bibi were seriously injured and shifted to Multan Nishtar Hospital.

Hearing gunshots, the relatives of the deceased came out of their houses and exchanged fire with the assailants. The gunfire continued for one hour. Police also arrived at the scene and exchanged fire with the attackers. However, police reinforcement was not any help as the accused fled from the crime without any causality.

About two months ago, Muhammad Ashraf Khan Niazi from Saif's family was murdered in Katchakhu and a case was registered against Hakim Khan and Ahmad Nawaz, which were later arrested by Katchakhu police. About a week ago, their bail application was rejected by the Lahore High Court, Multan bench, which infuriated Hakim’s family.

“We have arrested some suspects nominated by the victims' family," said Superintendent of Police (investigation) Muhammad Anwar. He said the injured daughters of the deceased Saifullah were in critical condition.