DERA ISMAIL KHAN: Six persons were killed and one sustained injuries when two groups traded fire in the jurisdiction of Shaheed Nawab Khan Police Station here on Thursday.
Police sources termed the incident the outcome of an ongoing extortion-related dispute which happened in Wanda Bairoon locality. “The members of the groups exchanged heavy gunfire and six people died on the spot,” said an official. The deceased have been identified as Naqeebullah, Shafiullah, Najeebullah, Jalal, Naveed and Jehanzaib.
One other person sustained injuries during the crossfire.
Prior to the shootout, sources said, one group had reportedly set fire to the rival group’s property, including a residence, livestock (goats) and other belongings, over non-payment of extortion money.
Upon receiving reports of the incident, a large contingent of police arrived at the scene and transferred the bodies and the injured person to Type-D Hospital in Panyala.
Officials said that five of the deceased belonged to one group, while one belonged to the other. Law-enforcement agencies have cordoned off the area and a detailed investigation into the matter is currently underway.