Haripur clash kills one, Injures another

Haripur: A minor dispute between two groups turned deadly in Haripur's Paniyan area, leaving one brother dead and another critically injured.

Haripur: A minor dispute between two groups turned deadly in Haripur’s Paniyan area, leaving one brother dead and another critically injured. The incident sparked widespread public outrage, leading to a seven-hour protest against the police and the suspension of several officers.

According to local sources, the confrontation reportedly began over a trivial disagreement involving people sitting outside a house. The argument quickly escalated into a violent clash between two groups, during which one young man was killed while his brother sustained critical injuries and was rushed for medical treatment.

The incident triggered strong reactions from local residents, who accused the police of releasing the nominated suspects after allegedly accepting money from them. Protesters blocked the Silk Road (Shahrah-e-Resham) and continued their demonstration for nearly seven hours, demanding justice for the victims and action against those responsible.

Following mounting public pressure, Haripur District Police Officer (DPO) Shafiullah Gandapur suspended the Station House Officer (SHO) of Paniyan Police Station along with five other police personnel. Another police official was placed under quarter guard over allegations of misconduct. The DPO also ordered a departmental inquiry to investigate the officers’ handling of the case.

Sources further claimed that a police official was suspended over allegations of accepting Rs10,000 from the victim’s family. Authorities have not yet confirmed the bribery allegation, and the matter remains under investigation.

Late at night, Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) Member of the National Assembly Babar Nawaz Khan met with the protesters in an effort to negotiate a peaceful resolution. Following successful talks between police officials and community representatives, the protest ended and the blocked GT Road was reopened for traffic.

Speaking to the media, DPO Shafiullah Gandapur stated that strict departmental action was being taken against any police personnel found negligent in the performance of their duties. He emphasized that the law applies equally to everyone and assured the public that a transparent investigation would be conducted to ensure accountability.

The investigation into both the fatal clash and the allegations of police misconduct is ongoing.