PTI MNA dramatically ‘rescued’ from anti-corruption body custody

LALAMUSA: Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI)-backed Member National Assembly (MNA) Chaudhry Imtiaz Ahmed Ranjha was forcibly freed from the anti-corruption team’s custody by his armed aides on Shadiwal Road in Gujrat.

The ‘dramatic’ escape unfolded as an anti-corruption team was transporting Imtiaz back from Mandi Bahauddin. According to officials, the armed aides in three white cars ambushed the official vehicle, opening fire and overpowering the team to ‘rescue’ the detained MNA.

Imtiaz had been apprehended from his residence on July 25 on charges of receiving kickbacks in development schemes. He was initially produced in court and placed on physical remand, with a subsequent court appearance today before a civil judge. The anti-corruption team was unable to prevent Imtiaz’s aides from executing their ‘well-coordinated’ plan. The attackers managed to evade capture and fled the scene with Imtiaz Ahmed. The Saddar Police Station Gujrat has registered a case against the unknown assailants on charges of forcibly ‘rescuing’ a detained suspect by using firearms. A manhunt has been launched to apprehend those involved in the audacious rescue operation. Imtiaz Ahmed Ranjha represents the constituency of NA-68 Mandi Bahauddin. He secured his seat garnering 166,093 votes against his opponent, Mushahid Raza of the PML-N, who received 70,926 votes. The incident has raised questions about the security protocols surrounding high-profile detainees.