OKARA, June 22: A former serviceman, along with his four accomplices, allegedly slaughtered his wife, mother-in-law, two sisters-in-law and wife's niece over some dispute early on Tuesday.

Reports said Khizar Hayat married Bakhtawar Bibi and they had two children Tahir, 4, and Ayesha, 6. However, the couple had developed differences and it often quarrelled with each other.

The woman, along with her two children, returned to her parents' home at Chak 49/3-R the other day. Khizar took his associates, including Ijaz, Amir and Zafar, to the house of his in-laws to take his wife and children back home.

Following an exchange of harsh words, the armed men slaughtered his wife, mother-in-law Wilayat Bibi, sisters-in-law Amina Bibi and Fatima Bibi and Bakhtawar's niece Zarina.

The woman's brother Ahmad Ali was shot at and injured by the suspects when he tried to save his family. He is stated to be in critical condition. The bodies were shifted to the District Headquarters Hospital. The motive behind the incident could not be ascertained.

According to postmortem report, sisters Amina and Fatima were also shot after being attacked with sharp-edged weapon. Some members of the family claimed that Khizar suspected that his wife had stolen his Rs1,000 some days ago.

According to agencies, the former serviceman was suspicious about the character of his wife and they often exchanged harsh words over the issue. Later, the slain were laid to rest at a local graveyard.

ROBBERIES: Three department store owners were deprived of thousands of rupees on Tuesday here at the Benazir Avenue. Reports said three dacoits entered the shop of Muhammad Ali Malik and looted Rs40,000, including Rs20,000 from a customer. Thereafter, they made off with cash totalling Rs44,000 from two nearby super stores.