Suspect in beheading boy killed by accomplices, claim police

MANSEHRA: The prime suspect in the gruesome murder and beheading of a 10-year-old boy in the Icherrian refugee camp area of Baffa was shot dead during a police encounter, reportedly by his own accomplices, officials said on Thursday.

According to Mansehra police, Najibullah, an Afghan national accused of beheading the minor boy named Sufiyan, was being taken for a crime scene identification when gunmen lying in wait opened fire on the police team. In the ensuing exchange, Najibullah was fatally shot — allegedly by the same accomplices attempting to free him.

The beheaded body of the boy was recovered from a seasonal stream in the Icherrian refugee camp area of Baffa on Tuesday. The victim had been missing since the Monday morning. He had come from Karachi to visit his maternal grandfather in Baffa. His severed was recovered a day after his murder.

The shocking nature of the crime has triggered widespread outrage across Hazara division and renewed scrutiny of local law enforcement.

Under mounting pressure, the police took proactive action and arrested his suspected killer on Wednesday, who was killed by his accomplices during an attempt to set him free from the police custody, the officials claimed.

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Police stated that the attackers, who managed to flee the scene, were believed to be close associates of the suspect.

Najibullah’s body was shifted to Baffa Civil Hospital for post-mortem examination.

Mixed reactions to police’s conduct

Meanwhile, political and religious leaders expressed mixed reactions to the police’s handling of the beheading case.

While many praised Mansehra police for swiftly delivering “justice” in the Sufyan case, others raised concerns about the ‘extra judicial killing.’

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However, the same leaders criticised police inaction in Iqra murder case. The 13-year-old girl was allegedly raped and murdered a few days ago in Abbottabad.

“While the Mansehra DPO delivered justice within a day, the DPO of Abbottabad has only offered words,” they said, adding that the suspect in that case, Haris Latif, was seen drinking soda in the police station.

Likewise, the Public Action Committee Abbottabad has warned that it is pursuing justice through legal channels but any delay or foul play in the Iqra case will result in consequences.

“This could be the last such case if justice is denied,” said the committee convener, holding the police and local administration responsible for any future unrest.

He further claimed that politically influential individuals were shielding suspects, which is why some accused receive VIP treatment in police custody — something, he said, must end.