Suspect in child abduction, assault case shot dead by accomplices in police custody

GUJRANWALA: A man accused of kidnapping and sexually assaulting minor girls was killed by gunfire from his own accomplices during a police custody in Gujranwala, police said on Tuesday.

The suspect, identified as Habibullah, was in police custody at Bagbanpura Police Station on physical remand in a case involving the alleged abduction and attempted rape of an 11-year-old girl.

According to police, the suspect was being taken for investigation when he attempted to escape from custody.

During the ensuing exchange of fire, he was shot and killed by his own accomplice, the police claimed.

Police said that the deceased suspect had a criminal record in 26 cases, including kidnapping, sexual assault of minors and motorcycle theft.

He was accused of abducting an 11-year-old girl on February 17, 2026, as she was on her way to school.

City Police Officer Dr Sardar Ghiyas Gul Khan took immediate notice of the incident and sought a report from the divisional superintendent of police.

In a statement, the CPO said that authorities were strictly enforcing a zero-tolerance policy against crimes targeting women and children, adding that those who break the law would not be granted any leniency.

Further investigation into the incident is under way, police said.