GUJRAT, March 13: The provincial government has directed a judicial probe into the Phalia sectarian clash, which left two persons dead and several others injured.

It is learnt that judge Zaheeruddin had been asked to start the inquiry and hearing of the case within a week.

Ejaz Naqvi and Mian Khan were killed and 44 activists of two sects were injured in a clash at Phalia, Mandi Bahauddin, on the Youm-i-Ashur.

The Phalia police lodged two FIRs against 800 activists of the two sects.

Soon after the incident, Phalia SHO Nisar Shah was removed by the DPO and Fateh Khan replaced him. The rival sects had nominated 250 people in the two FIRs five days ago, a source said, adding only five people were nominated by the state in the two lodged FIRs.

SHOT DEAD: Three men were shot dead while another was injured in two separate incidents in and around the city on Friday night.

At Charanwala, Kunjah, a man and his son were shot dead by their opponents over an old enmity.

Reports said Aslam, his brother Suleman and son Jabbar were coming towards their home when men of Ahmad Khan group opened fire on them. As a result, Aslam and Jabbar died instantly while Suleman escaped unhurt.

No case was registered till the filing of this report.

Sheraz and Saqib opened fire at each other at Moeenuddinpur due to which the former died while the latter injured.

The motive behind the exchange of fire could not be confirmed immediately. The injured was admitted to the DHQ Hospital in a critical condition.

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