Three suspects killed in CCD raid after attack on ex-minister Ayub Gadhi

LAHORE: Three suspects allegedly involved in an armed attack on former provincial minister and PML-N MPA Ayub Gadhi were killed during a Crime Control Department (CCD) operation in Rajana area of Toba Tek Singh district on Monday, officials said.

According to a CCD spokesperson, the team conducted a raid to arrest the suspects when they came under heavy fire. The suspects reportedly opened indiscriminate firing upon seeing the law enforcement personnel.

The CCD team returned fire in self-defence, resulting in the killing of three suspects, while two others were arrested during the operation.

The spokesperson said the suspects had previously attacked Ayub Gadhi’s dera (residence) last month, injuring the former minister. In that incident, four of his companions were also killed.

Following the earlier attack, Toba Tek Singh District Police Officer (DPO) had confirmed that Ayub Gadhi was shifted to DHQ Hospital for medical treatment.

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After the incident, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz had taken notice and ordered investigations, directing authorities to identify those responsible and ensure their arrest.

The prime minister had instructed officials to bring the perpetrators to justice, while the chief minister expressed condolences to the families of those killed and directed provision of best possible medical care to the injured.

Further investigation into the latest CCD operation is underway, the spokesperson added.