Four gang-rape suspects killed in attack

Four suspects arrested in connection with an alleged gang-rape case in Garhi Mosa Khan were killed when unidentified armed men opened fire on a police party in the limits of Rehman Baba Police Station in Peshawar, police said on Friday. According to police, the suspects were being taken to the alleged crime scene for identification when armed men attacked the police party on the way. The four men sustained multiple bullet wounds and died on the spot, while the police personnel accompanying them remained unharmed. The deceased suspects were identified as Aamir, son of Iftikhar; Jalal alias Raja, son of Miraj; Chacha, son of Qadoos; and Amdas. Police said the four suspects had allegedly entered a house in Garhi Mosa Khan by scaling its boundary wall and sexually assaulted women at gunpoint. They had subsequently been arrested in connection with the case, while the weapons allegedly used in the crime were also recovered from their possession. A case (FIR No 754) was registered at Rehman Baba Police Station on September 6, under Sections 395, 377-B, 449, 170, and 375-A of the Pakistan Penal Code and Section 50 of the Child Protection Act. Investigators said preliminary inquiry suggested that the suspects included the owner of the house and three of his friends. Two of them were allegedly addicted to ice (crystal methamphetamine), while the other two were reportedly using so-called "dancing pills." Further investigation into the incident is under way. Police are also examining evidence and forensic aspects related to the alleged gang-rape case.