Family organizes protest, demands arrest of suspects and action against police officers
KHANEWAL:
A 22-year-old man was shot dead by armed assailants while he was on his way to attend a court hearing in Kabirwala, allegedly as a result of a long-running tribal dispute.
The deceased, identified as Mursaleen Tayyab Hanjra, was attacked near Jhandeer Kassi in the jurisdiction of Nawan Shehr police station.
Police sources and family members said more than eight armed suspects allegedly ambushed him and opened fire with Kalashnikovs and rifles, leaving him seriously injured.
The attackers reportedly fled the scene towards Mamdal area after the shooting. The incident is said to be related to an old rivalry between Hanjra and Kartwana communities in Head Sardar Pur area, which falls under the jurisdiction of Sarai Sidhu police station in Kabirwala police circle.
The family members immediately called the 1122 Rescue Service to request medical assistance.
However, Mursaleen Tayyab succumbed to her injuries before help could arrive.
Following the complaint of the victim’s father Muhammad Tayyab Hanjra, Nawan Shehr police registered a case against the named suspects, identified as Muhammad Hanif Kartwana, Muhammad Asif Kartwana, Muhammad Kashif Kartwana, Qaiser, Sagheer Ahmed, Abdul Razzaq and Muhammad Bilal, along with other unidentified accomplices.
Following the murder, members of the Hanjra community staged a protest by placing the victim’s body on Multan Road in front of the Tehsil Headquarters (THQ) hospital in Kabirwala.
The demonstration lasted almost two hours, causing traffic disruptions and drawing a large crowd.
The protesters chanted slogans against DSP Kabirwala Chaudhry Munawar Gujjar and SHO of Sarai Sidhu police station, accusing the police of failing to act against the proclaimed criminals allegedly associated with the rival group.
The victim’s relatives claimed that the wanted suspects often remained present in the residential areas of Muhammad Pur Nasheb and Sardar Pur, but they were not arrested even though the police were aware of their whereabouts.
They allege that timely action by law enforcement could have prevented the murder.
The victim’s mother and other family members were seen in mourning during the protest and demanded the arrest of the suspects.
The grieving family appealed to Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz and Inspector General of Punjab Police to ensure arrest of the accused and take action against those responsible for negligence.
Police said investigations are underway and efforts are being made to arrest the suspects named in the case.
