Report ANI
GUJRANWALA: An accused allegedly involved in the sexual assault of an eight-year-old girl with special needs was killed during an exchange of fire between police and an armed accomplice in Gujranwala, police said.
According to police, the accused, identified as Rasheed, was responsible for transporting the girl to and from school and had allegedly been sexually assaulting her for an extended period.
Following information about the incident, Gujranwala CPO Dr. Sardar Ghiyas Gul Khan took immediate notice and sought a detailed report from the Divisional SP. He also directed police to arrest the accused without delay.
Police said that when personnel from Saddar Police Station were taking Rasheed for further legal proceedings, an unidentified armed accomplice opened indiscriminate fire on the police party. During the ensuing exchange of fire, Rasheed was hit by a bullet allegedly fired by his own accomplice and died at the scene.
Taking advantage of the darkness, the armed assailant reportedly fled the scene. Police said they recovered a motorcycle, a car and illegal weapons from the spot.
Following the incident, specially constituted police teams under the supervision of the SDPO People's Colony launched a search operation and placed blockades at various points across the city to apprehend the fleeing suspect.
CPO Dr. Sardar Ghiyas Gul Khan said that no leniency would be shown towards individuals involved in crimes against women and children. He said the police's priority was to eliminate criminal elements involved in such offences and bring those responsible to justice.
