KOHAT: Four people were killed and three others injured, including a passerby, in a shooting incident over an alleged illegal gold mine in Kohat district on Sunday.
According to police, the firing took place in Darbo Kach within the jurisdiction of Gambat Police Station. The incident occurred when two groups clashed over control of a gold mine site and opened fire on each other.
Local sources said panic broke out in the area during the exchange of gunfire. Three people, including a passerby who was caught in the crossfire, sustained injuries.
Police rushed to the scene after being informed and cordoned off the area. The bodies of the deceased and the injured were shifted to a medical facility, where the wounded are receiving treatment.
Tensions have risen in the area following the incident. Police have launched an investigation to determine the motive and identify those involved in the firing. Initial reports suggest that a long-standing dispute between the two groups over illegal gold mining led to the violence.
Police said further details regarding the cause of the firing and the identity of the dead and injured will be confirmed after the investigation is completed. Evidence has been collected from the site and raids are underway to arrest the suspects. Security has also been beefed up in the area to prevent any further unrest.
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