Two fruit sellers arrested in connection with the killing of two brothers over a Rs 30 dispute in Lahore were allegedly killed in an alleged encounter with the Crime Control Department of police in Maga Mandi area on Thursday, reported the Pakistani news channels.
According to the CCD officials, the suspects, identified as Awais and Shehzad, were in custody and had been taken to the crime scene for investigation, where their accomplices ambushed the police team in an attempt to free them. During the exchange of fire, the two arrested suspects were killed. Police said the attackers, led by a suspect named Tauqir, opened fire on the CCD team before fleeing the scene.
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A search operation has been launched to trace and arrest them. The deceased suspect had allegedly tortured and killed two brothers a few days earlier over a petty dispute of Rs. 30 involving the purchase of bananas. The increasing number of daily reports involving killings over mining disputes reflects a growing sense of frustration and intolerance in Pakistani society. The heartbreaking incident was reported in the Raiwind area of Lahore, where two brothers were beaten to death by fruit vendors following a dispute over the price of bananas. According to the police reports, Wajid and Rashid had purchased a dozen bananas for Rs. 130, but only had Rs. 100 notes and a Rs. 5000 note.
A heated argument ensued over the remaining Rs. 30. One of the brothers died on the spot, while the other one was immediately shifted to the hospital and later died during the treatment. The altercation escalated when the fruit vendor called over his associates, who were playing nearby. The group brutally attacked the two brothers, resulting in their deaths. Disturbingly, several bystanders witnessed the assault but chose not to intervene. Instead, many were seen recording the tragic incident on their mobile phones. Eyewitnesses reported that the altercation continued for hours, but police failed to arrive to control the situation.