Prominent religious scholar shot dead in Shadiwal

The deceased was identified as Allama Muhammad Talha Raza, a resident of Shadiwal and a prominent religious scholar. According to the first

GUJRAT: A prominent religious scholar who was critically wounded in a shooting incident in Shadiwal village, within the jurisdiction of Kunjah police station, succumbed to his injuries on Sunday, police said, while four suspects were booked in connection with the attack.

The deceased was identified as Allama Muhammad Talha Raza, a resident of Shadiwal and a prominent religious scholar. According to the first information report and police sources, the incident was preceded by a dispute that allegedly developed over a religious matter.

The FIR stated that nominated suspects belonged to the Sunni Barelvi school of thought. Police, however, were investigating the exact nature of the dispute and circumstances that led to the attack.

According to the complainant’s statement, tensions had developed following differences over a religious issue and the performance of funeral prayers for a deceased person.

Police said Allama Talha was allegedly attacked at around 5:15pm on Aug 22 when armed suspects opened fire on him. The FIR named four suspects, including Muhammad Usman Loharanwali, Qari Muhammad Aslam, Rehan Aslam and Qasim.

The complainant alleged that the suspects arrived armed with weapons and opened indiscriminate fire before fleeing from the scene.

Allama Talha sustained multiple bullet injuries and was shifted to hospital with the assistance of Rescue 1122. District Police Officer Faisal Shahzad also visited the hospital and inquired about his condition.

However, the religious scholar later succumbed to his injuries.

The incident sparked concern in the area due to the alleged religious background of the dispute, prompting police to intensify their investigation. Officials said they were also examining all possible aspects of the case and attempting to determine whether the shooting was directly linked to the earlier disagreement mentioned in the FIR.

The police initially registered a case under Sections 324, 34 and 109 of the Pakistan Penal Code. Following the victim’s death, further legal proceedings were expected in accordance with the findings of the investigation.

The FIR also named witnesses who allegedly saw the shooting and subsequent events.

DPO Faisal Shahzad said police teams had been formed to arrest the suspects and that all available resources were being used to trace them.

He said the suspects would be arrested and brought before the law.

Police officials said raids were being conducted at different locations, while investigators were collecting evidence and recording statements from witnesses.

The killing has heightened tension in Shadiwal and surrounding localities. Police said they were monitoring the situation and would ensure that no one was allowed to exploit the incident to disturb law and order.

The case was under investigation, and police said further details would emerge after the arrest of the suspects and completion of the investigation.