Four Family Members Brutally Murdered in Lahore Ambush

Published in The Express Tribune, December 18^th, 2023.

Lahore witnessed a horrifying incident as four members of a family were brutally murdered in a targeted ambush. The incident occurred in Baghbanpura when the family was returning from a joyous marriage ceremony. Three individuals have been charged under anti-terrorism, murder, and other relevant provisions in connection with this heinous crime.

The prime suspect, identified as Salman, had recently divorced his wife, Kiran, who tragically lost her life in the attack. Reports suggest that Salman was frustrated with the failed marriage, leading to this violent act. In addition to Kiran, her parents and sister also lost their lives in the ambush. Salman’s five-year-old daughter was fortunate to survive but sustained injuries during the attack.

According to eyewitnesses, the incident took place on Saturday night in Al Khalid Town. Salman and his accomplices intercepted the family’s car and opened fire indiscriminately. The victims, including Kiran, her siblings, her parents, and her daughter, were all hit by bullets. Kiran, her sister, and her parents succumbed to their injuries at the scene. The injured were immediately rushed to Lahore Services Hospital for medical treatment, while the bodies of the deceased were taken to the morgue for autopsy.

The deceased have been identified as 22-year-old Abdullah Mehboob, 55-year-old Mehboob Sadiq, 20-year-old Tayyaba Mehboob, and 24-year-old Kiran. The injured individuals have been identified as 50-year-old Taj Bibi, 35-year-old Farah Bibi, and 5-year-old Horeen Salman.

Upon receiving information about the incident, a police contingent promptly reached the crime scene. They collected forensic evidence and recorded statements from eyewitnesses to aid in the investigation. A case has been registered against the suspects; however, they are yet to be apprehended. The Inspector General of Punjab, Usman Anwar, has taken notice of the incident and demanded a detailed report from CCPO Lahore.

The police authorities are diligently working to track down the suspects. CCTV footage from the crime scene is being analyzed to trace their movements. Various sources and intelligence networks are being utilized to ensure a swift arrest and bring the culprits to justice.

Initial investigations reveal a horrifying sequence of events. After firing multiple rounds at the victims’ car, the suspect allegedly dragged Kiran out of the vehicle and executed her at point-blank range. Shockingly, he also desecrated her body by kicking it before fleeing the scene.

This incident follows another tragic event earlier in the week, where five individuals were shot dead in Chung over a property dispute. The Chief Minister of Punjab, Mohsin Naqvi, has taken notice of both incidents and has requested a comprehensive report from the Inspector General of Police.

Mohsin Naqvi expressed his deepest sympathies and condolences to the grieving family members of the victims. He emphasized the importance of providing justice to the aggrieved family and ensuring the best medical treatment for the injured individuals.

In light of these unfortunate incidents, the Chief Minister has directed relevant officials to ensure strict adherence to Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) in marriage halls to prevent any untoward incidents in the future.