Police launch raids to arrest suspects, identify Rehan Butt as alleged main suspect in attack
Two police personnel, including a sub-inspector and a head constable, were martyred when armed assailants opened fire on them in the Badami Bagh area on Thursday evening.
The victims were identified as Sub-Inspector Adeel and Head Constable Asad, both deployed at Lorry Adda police station.
According to police, the incident took place within the jurisdiction of Badami Bagh police station. Armed assailants opened fire on the two officials before fleeing the scene, police said. Both sustained critical bullet wounds and succumbed to their injuries.
Read: Lahore attack: Cops killed in the line of duty
Police identified the alleged central suspect as Rehan Butt, while efforts were under way to establish the identities of his accomplices.
Reportedly, his brother Faizan Butt had been killed in an encounter a few days back.
DIG Operations Faisal Kamran reached the scene along with a heavy police contingent and supervised the initial investigation. The area was cordoned off, and evidence was being collected as investigators examined the circumstances surrounding the attack.
The DIG Operations directed the SP City to ensure the immediate arrest of the suspects. Police teams have been mobilised, and raids are being conducted at various locations to apprehend Rehan Butt and the other suspects.
According to preliminary police information, Butt is a suspected dangerous shooter who was wanted by police. Investigators are also examining a possible link between the attack and an earlier police encounter involving suspected shooter Faizan Butt.
Police said the incident was being investigated from all angles and that further details would emerge as the investigation progressed.
Terming the killing of the police personnel extremely tragic, DIG Kamran said the officers had sacrificed their lives while performing their duty.
“We will not rest until the suspects are arrested,” the DIG said, adding that those involved could not escape the law regardless of where they hid.
He said the sacrifice of the martyred personnel would not be allowed to go in vain and vowed that all suspects would be arrested.
Read More: Nine policemen martyred, 28 injured in terror attack on police checkpost in K-P’s Hangu
“The blood of the martyrs will be accounted for in accordance with the law,” he added.
Punjab Inspector General of Police Abdul Karim had earlier taken notice of the incident and sought a report from the Lahore DIG Operations while directing police to use all available resources to arrest those involved.
The IG also paid tribute to the two officers and directed that the bereaved families be provided complete care and welfare support.
