Double murder over Rs30: both suspects killed in Lahore police encounter

LAHORE: Two prime suspects in the murder of two brothers over a Rs 30 dispute were shot dead in a police encounter last night during a raid conducted by the Counter Crime Department (CCD) in the Chohang area of Lahore.

According to CCD officials, the operation was part of an ongoing effort to arrest remaining accomplices in the brutal killing of 28-year-old Rashid and his 22-year-old brother Wajid, who were attacked by fruit vendors on August 21 in the Bhamba area of Raiwind.

Also read: Fruit seller held after beating two brothers to death over Rs30 dispute

The latest encounter unfolded when CCD officers, acting on intelligence, raided a location to arrest additional suspects. During the operation, accomplices of the arrested suspects reportedly opened fire on the police team in an attempt to free the detained men. In the exchange of gunfire, two main accused, Owais and Shahzad, were fatally shot.

The remaining suspects managed to flee the scene while firing at police. A search operation is currently underway to track down the absconding individuals.

The CCD vowed to continue its crackdown on criminal elements, saying that no leniency will be shown to those who take the law into their own hands.

BACKGROUND

The killings of Rashid and Wajid, residents of Kot Radha Kishan, had stunned the country after disturbing footage of the attack went viral online. The brothers were beaten with cricket bats and sticks after a verbal dispute with fruit vendors over change for a Rs 5,000 note. They had purchased a dozen bananas for Rs 130 and requested to either reduce the number or be given change.

Also read: Brothers killed in Rs30 dispute; one was nicknamed ‘Little Maxwell’

Wajid died on the spot while Rashid succumbed to head injuries two days later. The incident drew widespread public outrage, particularly over the bystanders seen filming the attack instead of intervening.

An FIR was registered against fruit seller Owais, his brother Taimur, and several unidentified accomplices. Police earlier arrested Taimur and launched a manhunt for the others.