FAISALABAD: Police have made a significant breakthrough in the murder case of Faisalabad industrialist Rehan Ashraf, taking six people into custody.
According to police officials, three of those detained are employees of Ashraf’s factory, while the other three work at the parking facility from which the industrialist’s vehicle was taken.
How the incident unfolded
Police said Ashraf had gone out for dinner on Saturday night with family and friends and handed his car keys to the parking staff at a club. Shortly afterwards, he received a notification on his mobile phone that the vehicle was being switched on and off. He rushed outside, but the car had already disappeared from sight.
According to the First Information Report (FIR), Ashraf then pursued the stolen vehicle in another car, accompanied by his two brothers and a friend. About four to five kilometres away on Jaranwala Road, they spotted the vehicle stuck in a traffic jam and approached it. Two armed men got out of the car and opened fire. A bullet struck Ashraf in the neck, proving fatal.
Investigation
Police have begun interrogating the three parking staff members and three factory employees. During questioning, one member of the parking staff reportedly said that an armed man had climbed into the back seat of the car while it was being parked and forced him to drive it away.
Ashraf’s funeral prayers were held and he has been laid to rest. A case has been registered against unidentified suspects under charges of robbery and murder.
Police officials said the killing is being investigated from every angle and that the actual culprits will be arrested soon.
Joint teams formed
Speaking to Geo News, City Police Officer (CPO) Tanveer Hussain said 12 joint teams have been formed to investigate the killing. He said the teams, drawn from the Crime Control Department (CCD) and district police, will conduct the inquiry, with CCTV footage and vehicle trackers being used to assist.
The CPO added that all possible motives, including car theft, are being examined, and that geo-fencing is also being used in the investigation.