On December 19, 2024, a police encounter was reported in the Kakarali area of Gujrat, Punjab. According to the official version, the encounter was carried out in retaliation for the alleged killing of a police constable. Authorities claimed that two individuals, Faisal and Faizi Jutt, were responsible for the constable’s death and were killed in the operation.
However, after speaking with numerous local residents over the past two days, particularly from Kakarali, a very different narrative has emerged. This blog presents the concerns and questions being raised by people familiar with the situation.
Background of the Accused
According to locals, Faisal Jutt had spent 7–8 years working abroad in Oman as a laborer. Upon returning to Pakistan, he reportedly struggled to find stable employment. It is alleged that he later became involved in the drug trade in the area.
Faisal was one of seven brothers. Some of his brothers were involved in local agricultural or livestock work, and one reportedly held a local political position as vice chairman.
Locals claim that Faisal’s alleged drug business operated with monthly payments (commonly referred to as “hafta”) made to certain police officials. It is alleged that these payments ranged between 600,000 to 700,000 PKR per month.
The current SHO (Station House Officer) of Kakarali Police Station, identified locally as Basharat Ahmed, was reportedly recently posted to the area. According to residents, tensions escalated when Faisal allegedly stopped paying monthly bribes, claiming that profits were insufficient to sustain the payments.
The Escalation
After the alleged refusal to continue payments:
- Multiple drug-related FIRs were reportedly registered against Faisal (including cases under 9-B and 9-C of narcotics laws).
- He was allegedly implicated in a separate murder case in another jurisdiction.
- Pressure reportedly increased from law enforcement.
Soon after, during a police raid, a police officer was killed. An FIR (No. 664/24) was registered under Sections 302, 324, 440, and 353 of the Pakistan Penal Code at Hanj Police Station, District Gujrat. Faisal and Faizi Jutt were nominated as the accused.
Police claimed that the constable was killed by firing from the suspects.
Claims of a Staged Encounter
Residents allege that Faisal publicly denied involvement in the constable’s death and reportedly expressed willingness to join the investigation and face legal proceedings.
Three of his brothers, Mazhar Iqbal, Asghar, and Irfan, allegedly went to Kakarali Police Station to assure cooperation. Instead, they were reportedly detained.
Subsequently:
- Approximately 150 police personnel, including officers from multiple stations and Elite Force units, allegedly surrounded Faisal’s house.
- Heavy firing reportedly began.
- A grenade was allegedly thrown into the house.
- Videos circulated on social media showing intense firing at the property.
Four individuals inside the house, including Faisal, were killed.
Residents further allege that the detained brothers were later brought from custody and sent inside the house to confirm the deaths, a claim that raises serious procedural concerns if true.
Looting and Aftermath Allegations
Locals claim that after the operation:
- Property inside the house was allegedly looted.
- Around 40 buffaloes and dozens of livestock were reportedly taken away.
- A new version of events was presented in which it was claimed that the deceased were killed by firing from their own associates.
This narrative, according to critics, contradicts earlier claims.
Critical Questions Raised
This incident has generated several serious questions:
- If the constable was killed, why was there no independent and transparent investigation to determine responsibility?
- Why was such a large force deployed for a single residential raid?
- If dozens of armed suspects were allegedly present, why were no police personnel injured?
- Why were three brothers detained before the raid?
- If the accused had fled, how were the brothers immediately arrested and implicated?
- Why was Faisal not previously arrested and prosecuted through due legal process if he had been allegedly involved in drug trafficking for a long time?
These concerns have fueled suspicions among locals that the encounter may have been staged or excessive.
Call for Independent Investigation
Given the seriousness of the allegations, many believe that an independent investigation is necessary.
The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) should consider registering a separate case and conducting a transparent inquiry. In cases involving police encounters, especially where fatalities occur, investigations should not rely solely on police accounts. Independent oversight is essential to ensure credibility.
Accountability must apply to all parties, whether suspects or law enforcement officials. Only a fair and transparent investigation can determine the truth.
The Broader Concern
Extrajudicial killings and alleged staged encounters undermine public trust in the justice system. If due process is bypassed, it creates fear and uncertainty in society.
If someone is guilty, they should be arrested, tried in court, and punished according to the law. Justice must be delivered through the legal system, not through revenge or excessive force.
The rule of law demands transparency, accountability, and fairness for all.