Three killed in suspected honour attack in Taxila

Three people, including a couple who had married against family wishes, were killed in Taxila on Thursday. Police said the suspected motive was linked to the marriage, while other angles are also under investigation.

TAXILA: Three members of a family, including a couple who had married for love, were killed in a brutal attack in the jurisdiction of Taxila police on Thursday, according to police.

The incident took place in Mohra Sharifabad, Street No 5, within the limits of Taxila police station. The deceased were identified as 26-year-old Danish Akram, his 23-year-old wife Seema Gul, and Danish’s 40-year-old sister-in-law Shehla.

Police said Danish and Seema had married a few months ago against the wishes of their families. Initial investigation suggests the killings were linked to the couple’s marriage, though police said other aspects of the case were also being examined.

According to police, the bride’s brother, Azizullah, said the suspect, identified as Najeebullah, attacked the victims with a sharp-edged weapon in the morning and then fled the scene.

The three victims were found dead at the place where they had been sleeping. Preliminary findings indicate that all three died after their throats were slit.

Police response and investigation

Police collected forensic material from the crime scene as part of the investigation. Rescue 1122 assisted in shifting the bodies to Tehsil Headquarters Hospital for post-mortem examination.

After the autopsies were completed, the bodies were handed over to the families.

Police said the post-mortem report would help determine whether the victims had been given any intoxicant or whether any other factor had prevented them from resisting the attack.

The Punjab police chief has taken notice of the incident and sought a report from the Rawalpindi City Police Officer (CPO).

The killings have drawn attention because they involved a married couple and another female relative from the same household. Police have so far linked the suspected motive to a dispute over the marriage, while continuing to investigate other possible angles.

The suspect was reported to have escaped after the attack, and police were pursuing the case following the collection of evidence and statements from family members.

The case occurred in the Taxila police jurisdiction and was described by police as a triple murder allegedly carried out with a sharp weapon. Authorities have not closed off other lines of inquiry pending the post-mortem findings and further investigation.