Suspect dies in police encounter after acid attack on schoolgirl in Chung

Lahore: A ninth-grade schoolgirl sustained serious injuries in an acid attack in Lahore’s Chung area while she was on her way home from an academy, according to police.

The girl suffered severe burns to her face, head and shoulders and was shifted to hospital for treatment. Police officials said the attack is suspected to be connected to a marriage proposal that had been turned down.

A case was registered at Chung police station on the complaint of the girl’s father. Police then launched efforts to trace the two men suspected of carrying out the attack.

During a chase in the Green Town area, the suspects allegedly opened fire on police, officials said. Police returned fire, injuring one of the suspects, identified as Sajid. He later died while being taken to hospital, while the second suspect managed to flee.

Police also registered a separate first information report over the alleged attempted murder and attack on police during the encounter.

Investigators were continuing efforts to arrest the fleeing suspect, according to officials.

Case registered after attack

The acid attack took place as the schoolgirl was returning from her academy in Chung. The complaint was lodged by her father, after which police formally registered the case and began pursuing the suspects.

Officials said the victim’s injuries were severe, with burns reported on multiple parts of her upper body, including her face, head and shoulders. She remained under treatment in hospital.

Police pursuit in Green Town

According to police, the pursuit of the two suspects led officers to Green Town. During the operation, the suspects allegedly fired at the police party. Officers responded with gunfire, leaving one suspect wounded.

The injured suspect, Sajid, was being transported to hospital when he died on the way, police said. His alleged accomplice escaped from the scene.

Authorities said a separate FIR had been lodged in connection with the firing on police and the attempted murder case arising from the encounter. The investigation into the acid attack and the search for the absconding suspect were still under way.