Summary
- FAISALABAD: Police have detained six individuals for questioning in connection with the murder of Faisalabad industrialist Rehan Ashraf, as investigators intensify efforts to identify those responsible for the killing during an alleged vehicle snatching incident.
- According to police officials, the detained individuals include three employees of the industrialist’s factory and three members of the parking staff associated with the area from where his vehicle was reportedly taken.
- During preliminary questioning, one parking staff member reportedly told investigators that an armed man had entered the vehicle and occupied its back seat while it was being parked.
FAISALABAD: Police have detained six individuals for questioning in connection with the murder of Faisalabad industrialist Rehan Ashraf, as investigators intensify efforts to identify those responsible for the killing during an alleged vehicle snatching incident.
According to police officials, the detained individuals include three employees of the industrialist’s factory and three members of the parking staff associated with the area from where his vehicle was reportedly taken. Investigators are questioning them to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident and determine whether anyone was involved in the crime.
The investigation is being conducted from multiple angles, including vehicle theft and other possible motives behind the killing.
How the Incident Occured
According to the first information report (FIR No. 2195/26) registered at Sadar Police Station, Rehan Ashraf had visited Chenab Club for dinner with his family and friends on Saturday night.
He reportedly handed over the keys of his Toyota Cygnus, registration number AYB-818, to the club’s valet parking staff.
Shortly afterwards, Ashraf received a notification on his mobile phone from the vehicle’s tracking system indicating that the car was being switched on and off. He immediately went outside to check, but the vehicle was no longer at the location.
According to the FIR, Ashraf, accompanied by his two brothers and a friend, pursued the missing vehicle in another car after receiving live tracking information from the tracking company through WhatsApp.
After travelling approximately four to five kilometres, they located the vehicle on Jaranwala Road near Bijli Ghar and Chak 215-RB. The car was reportedly caught in traffic near UBL Bank because of ongoing metro bridge construction.
As Ashraf and his companions approached the vehicle, two armed men allegedly emerged from the car and opened fire. One of the bullets struck Ashraf in the neck, causing a fatal injury.
The attackers’ identities and the precise circumstances of the shooting remain under investigation.
Six Persons Questioned by Police
Police have taken three parking staff members and three factory employees into custody for questioning as part of the investigation.
During preliminary questioning, one parking staff member reportedly told investigators that an armed man had entered the vehicle and occupied its back seat while it was being parked. The individual allegedly forced him to drive the vehicle away.
Investigators are examining this account alongside other evidence to establish the sequence of events and identify any possible connections between the vehicle theft and the subsequent shooting.
A case has been registered against unidentified suspects under Sections 302 and 392 of the Pakistan Penal Code, relating to murder and robbery.
Ashraf’s funeral prayers have been offered, and he has been laid to rest.
Twelve Teams Formed to Investigate Murder
City Police Officer Faisalabad Tanveer Hussain said that 12 joint teams comprising personnel from the Crime Control Department (CCD) and district police had been constituted to investigate the killing.
He said investigators were examining CCTV footage and vehicle-tracking data, while geo-fencing was also being conducted to gather further evidence.
Police are pursuing different leads to determine whether the incident was solely linked to vehicle theft or involved another motive.
Officials have stated that the investigation is continuing and that efforts are underway to identify and arrest the perpetrators. However, no final conclusion regarding the motive or the involvement of the detained individuals has been announced.
