SHEIKHUPURA, April 23: Terror gripped the helpless residents of Daoke village near Muridke with a fresh gory incident in which a six-year-old boy was found butchered after Friday prayers.

Tehseen, son of Amjad, left the home for Friday prayers in a nearby mosque. His body riddled with stab wounds was spotted by some passers-by and soon the news spread like a wild fire in the village and its adjoining areas. Hundreds of people hastened to the spot and vehemently condemned the incident.

It is the third incident of the same nature within a short span of five days, with the culprit(s) still unknown. The fresh killing also belied the Muridke police claim of having arrested the real culprit, Qaiser, who allegedly slaughtered Ramzan (8) and Tehmina (7) and injured Zainul Abedin five days ago. The police had already arrested ASI Ilyas Bhatti for releasing Qaiser after taking bribe from him. However, he was re-arrested two days back.

Besides, the police also arrested a dozen other suspects, including some women, for interrogation. The Sheikhupura Range DIG had also suspended Muridke SHO Mukhtar Alvi for showing negligence in tackling the situation. After the first incident, the protesters had blocked the GT Road for almost 10 hours, injured several policemen and ransacked the police station.

Meanwhile, DIG Saqlain Naqvi said the police had arrested two suspects - Wali Muhammad (60) and Muhammad Ali (22) - with the help of sniper dogs. Muridke police have registered a case against unidentified culprit under the Anti-Terrorism Act.

Following the incident, DPO Nawaz Warraich and SP Rai Tahir along with a heavy police contingent rushed to the spot and besieged the area. However, this time the people remained calm, but nervous and horrified.

A curfew-like situation is prevailing in the area. It is learnt that some families have decided to leave the area to save the lives of their children.