Two Suspects Involved in Acid Attack on Female School Teacher Shot and Injured in Police Encounter

LAHORE:

In a recent development, two suspects allegedly involved in the acid attack on a 22-year-old female school teacher have been shot and injured by the police during an encounter in Shahdara Town, Lahore. The incident took place just two days after the assailants targeted the victim, Ayesha Riaz, who is a Chemistry teacher at a school in Rachna Town, Ferozwala.

The police reports indicate that law enforcement had set up a picket near Kala Khatai T Point on GT Road, where they noticed two individuals on a motorcycle acting suspiciously. When the police signaled for a routine check, the suspects opened fire on the officers, which forced the police to retaliate in self-defense.

During the exchange of gunfire, both suspects, identified as Yasir and Naveed, sustained bullet injuries. Following the incident, the injured suspects were immediately taken to the hospital for treatment. Superintendent of Police (SP) Qazi Ali has confirmed the identities of the suspects and mentioned that investigations into the matter are ongoing. The police have also seized the weapon used by the suspects during the encounter.

Yasir and Naveed are believed to be the individuals responsible for the acid attack on Ayesha Riaz. The victim suffered severe burn injuries after the assailants threw acid on her face and body while she was en route to her school in Rachna Town. Ayesha’s brother was with her at the time of the attack.

Prompt action by the police led to the arrest of two other suspects involved in the acid attack. Umar Farooq, the prime suspect, was apprehended at Sialkot International Airport while attempting to flee to Dubai. Another suspect, Ghulam Mustafa, linked to the case, was arrested on Tuesday.

The assault on Ayesha Riaz occurred on January 9, prompting the police to launch an investigation, which resulted in filing an FIR. The investigation revealed that Umar Farooq, the main suspect, had previously proposed to the victim, and his proposal had been rejected. This rejection allegedly motivated Farooq to carry out the heinous attack as an act of revenge.

The incident has once again raised concerns about the safety and security of women in the country, particularly in educational institutions. Acid attacks continue to be a grave issue, causing severe physical and psychological trauma to the victims. It is crucial for authorities to take decisive actions to prevent such heinous crimes and ensure the safety of citizens.

The ongoing investigation will shed further light on the motive behind the attack and the involvement of any other individuals. The arrest of the suspects and their subsequent prosecution will be essential to deliver justice to the victim and send a strong message that such acts will not be tolerated in society.