A rickshaw driver wanted in connection with the repeated sexual assault of an eight-year-old girl with special needs was killed in an alleged police encounter in Gujranwala.
According to the police, the suspect identified as Rasheed, was killed by gunfire from his own accomplice while allegedly attempting to flee during an exchange of fire with a police team from Sadar police station.
Police said Rasheed was wanted in a case involving the repeated sexual abuse of the girl, who was allegedly assaulted while being transported to and from school by the suspect.
According to the police account, Rasheed and an unidentified accomplice opened indiscriminate fire at the police party as they tried to escape.
The suspect was subsequently struck by a bullet fired by his own associate and died.
Authorities said they recovered an illegal firearm and a motorcycle rickshaw, described in the police account as a “Chand Gaari”, from the suspect’s possession.
His accomplice managed to escape, police added.
The police did not provide further details about the circumstances of the alleged abuse or the case against the suspect.
Gujranwala City Police Officer Dr Sardar Ghiyas Gul Khan took immediate notice of the incident and sought a report from the Divisional Superintendent of Police (SP).
Special teams have been formed under the supervision of the Sub-Divisional Superintendent of Police (SDPO) of Peoples Colony to arrest the fleeing suspect, police said. A citywide security cordon and search operation were also under way, according to the authorities.
Dr Ghiyas said there would be no leniency towards individuals involved in crimes against women and children.
“The eradication of criminal elements is imperative,” he said, stressing the need for action against those involved in such offences.
Police said efforts to arrest the escaped accomplice were continuing.
