Prominent religious scholar, Sheikh Muhammad Idris Tarangzai was martyred by unknown attackers in Charsadda district on Tuesday.
Police while confirming the killing of Sheikh Idris said the gory incident occurred at Utmanzai area of Charsadda district where unknown attackers sprayed volley of bullets at his car. He was rushed to hospital where doctors declared him dead. Police cordoned off the area and started investigation.
Police in Charsadda have obtained CCTV footage in connection with the killing of prominent religious scholar Maulana Sheikh Idris, as investigations intensify into the tragic incident.
District Police Officer Muhammad Waqas Khan while expressing deep sorrow over the incident, termed it a brutal and intolerable act, said the spokesman of Charsadda Police.
During the incident, two police personnel including Constable Sher Alam and Constable Pervez Khan also sustained injured, he said and extended best wishes for their speedy recovery.
He said that immediately after the incident a heavy police contingent reached the site, cordoned off the area and collected evidence, adding that CCTV footage from nearby locations has been obtained and is being thoroughly examined to help identify and arrest the suspects.
For a comprehensive and transparent probe, a special investigation team has been constituted under the supervision of SP Investigation Alamzeb Khan.
The team has been directed to proceed on modern scientific lines and has been provided all necessary resources to ensure early arrest of those involved.
The DPO reaffirmed that the culprits involved in this heinous act would soon be brought to justice and awarded exemplary punishment.
Later, Inspector General of Police (IGP) Khyber Pakhtunkhwa took strict notice of the firing on renowned religious scholar Sheikh-ul-Hadith Maulana Muhammad Idris and formed joint investigation teams comprising the Counter Terrorism Department (CTD) and district police.
According to the initial report of the investigation team, Maulana Muhammad Idris was targeted by four terrorists.
Talking to media, IGP Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Zulfiqar Hameed said preliminary evidence suggests the incident was a case of target killing and those involved will soon be brought to justice.
Meanwhile, JUI-F Chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman has announced that the party will hold protests all over the country on Wednesday and Friday against the “martyrdom” of prominent cleric Maulana Idris.