PESHAWAR: An initial investigation report into an attack on a police party transporting a wanted suspect, identified as Mumtaz alias Mumtazay, has revealed that a group of around 10 attackers was involved in the assault.
According to police, the attackers opened fire on police vehicles with small and heavy weapons after first targeting the tyres of the vehicle carrying Mumtaz. The attackers also hurled a hand grenade at the police vehicle, according to the preliminary investigation.
Mumtaz was being transported from Islamabad Airport to Daudzai Police Station in the vehicle of DSP Chamkani when the attackers launched the assault, police said.
During the attack, Mumtaz was being shifted to another police vehicle when an exchange of fire took place between the attackers and police personnel. Two station house officers (SHOs) sustained serious injuries in the attack.
Police retaliated and killed Mumtaz alias Mumtazay along with two alleged attackers during the exchange of fire, according to the preliminary investigation.
Police said the attackers were heard shouting that they were taking revenge from Mumtaz for allegedly providing information against the Lali gang. Investigators believe the attack was carried out over alleged informant-related rivalry.
SSP Operations Farhan Khan said the two attackers killed in the encounter were identified as Syed Nawab and Ali Khan. Both men were allegedly wanted in several cases registered at different police stations.
The two motorcycles allegedly used in the attack had been snatched from the Faqirabad and Chamkani areas, Farhan Khan said.
He added that the attack on Mumtaz and the police party on Northern Bypass had allegedly been planned by a cousin of the Lali gang.
Police said Mumtaz had been brought from Islamabad Airport to Daudzai Police Station and was wearing a bulletproof jacket due to security concerns.
After completion of the necessary legal formalities, the bodies of the two deceased attackers were handed over to their families, police said. Further investigation into the attack is underway.
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