Eight hurt as lawyers, cops scuffle in Malakwal

MALAKWAL: Eight lawyers and as many policemen were injured in a scuffle at the Civil Courts here on Tuesday. The clash started when Saifullah advocate, a member of the Mandi Bahauddin Bar Association, appeared before the additional sessions judge where the Rarka Bala police post in charge and Sub-Inspector Ilyas gave a statement in support of the former’s rival party.

Saifullah advocate and Sub-Inspector Ilyas had a scuffle in the courtroom. Later, lawyers attacked the sub-inspector with clubs outside the courts. Policemen also joined the fray to save the life of their colleague. Four policemen, including Sub-Inspector Ilyas, and as many lawyers, including secretary Zafar Iqbal were badly injured. The injured were taken to hospital.

DPO Dar Ali Khattak with a large contingent of police reached the spot. DPO Dar Ali Khattak said that the incident would be probed on merit. Later, the police registered a case against 32 lawyers.

Lawyers, led by DBA president Muhammad Aslam Faiz and Malakwal Bar Association president Ghulam Rasool Gondal, went on a strike. They said that they would continue their strike till the resolution of the matter on merit.