Chichawatni (News Desk): A police team attempting to recover a minor under court orders in Village 11/14-L near Chichawatni was attacked and held hostage by an enraged mob. In a swift retaliatory operation, police successfully rescued all five officers—including a female constable—recovered the child, and arrested four suspects.
Background of the Incident
According to reports, a citizen named Muhammad Latif approached the court of Additional District and Sessions Judge Muhammad Shafiq after his former wife left their nine-year-old son, Muhammad Hasan, with her father and brothers. Despite repeated requests, the in-laws refused to return the child and allegedly issued death threats. Consequently, the court issued recovery warrants and directed the Kassowal police to take action.
Attack and Hostage Situation
A five-member police team led by ASI Tahir Masood, including Constables Muhammad Asif and Naeem Iqbal, Lady Constable Hafza Ghaffar, and a driver, raided the residence of a suspect named Mushtaq in Iqbal Nagar to execute the court order.
The situation turned violent when the lady constable presented the warrants. The residents raised an alarm, summoning over 20 men and women armed with clubs and sticks. The mob reportedly:
Tore the official court documents.
Assaulted the police team.
Forcibly locked the five officers in a room.
Snatched their mobile phones and cash.
Rescue Operation and Recovery
Following a distress call to the 15 Helpline by a local resident, a heavy contingent of Kassowal police and Elite Force personnel stormed the location. The arrival of the reinforcement caused the mob to disperse. Police successfully broke into the room where their colleagues were being held, rescuing them after approximately 30 minutes of captivity. The nine-year-old boy, Muhammad Hasan, was also safely recovered during the operation.
Legal Action
SHO Kassowal Hassan Mumtaz confirmed that a case has been registered on the complaint of ASI Tahir Masood against four named suspects and 20 unidentified individuals. The FIR includes various sections of the Pakistan Penal Code (PPC), such as:
| Section | Description |
| 382 | Theft after preparation made for causing death, hurt, or restraint |
| 353 | Assault or criminal force to deter public servant from discharge of duty |
| 342 | Punishment for wrongful confinement |
| 148/149 | Rioting, armed with deadly weapon/Unlawful assembly |
Four suspects were arrested on the spot, while raids are ongoing to apprehend the remaining individuals involved in the attack.