Police team attacked in Islamabad, under-custody suspect injured in firing

ISLAMABAD: An under-custody suspect was injured when unidentified armed men allegedly opened fire on a police team in an attempt to free him while he was being taken back to the Shahzad Town police station after the recovery of a weapon, police said.

Case Registered at Shahzad Town Police Station

A case has been registered at Shahzad Town police station on the complaint of an assistant sub-inspector.

According to police, the suspect had been arrested in connection with an attempted murder case registered on May 22 against six people. The case involved an alleged attack on Ashfaq Ahmed, who was reportedly shot and injured following a dispute.

Weapon Recovered From Hideout

During interrogation, the arrested suspect allegedly disclosed the location of a hideout where the pistol used in the attack had been concealed. A police team was subsequently formed to recover the weapon.

Police said the suspect was handcuffed and taken to Tamma Road, where the weapon was recovered. While the team was returning to the police station with the suspect, three men riding a motorcycle allegedly intercepted the police vehicle about a kilometre from the station.

Armed Men Open Fire on Police

The suspects allegedly opened fire on the police team. Police officials took cover behind their vehicle and responded with aerial firing, according to the police account.

During the exchange of fire, the suspect in police custody sustained a bullet injury. He was subsequently shifted to a hospital for medical treatment.

Police said the attackers appeared to have targeted the team with the intention of freeing their alleged accomplice. Further investigation into the incident is underway.