DERA ISMAIL KHAN: A deadly armed clash between two rival groups claimed lives of six people and left one person seriously injured in Panyala village of Paharpur tehsil here on Thursday.

According to a police official, the confrontation took place in the jurisdiction of Shaheed Nawab Khan police station. Both the groups reportedly came face-to-face and exchanged heavy gunfire, resulting in the death of Naqeebullah, Shafiullah, Najeebullah, Jalal, Naveed and Jahanzeb.

The injured person was promptly shifted to the Type-D Hospital in Panyala.

Police sources said that the clash stemmed from an extortion dispute. Previously, one group had allegedly demanded extortion money from the other party, and upon refusal, they torched a room, livestock and other belongings on the opponent’s property. The conflict escalated further when both the groups encountered each other in the area, leading to the fatal shootout.

Five people from one group were killed in the exchange of fire, while one person from the other group was killed and one was injured.

Heavy police contingents arrived at the scene after the incident, secured the area, and began an investigation. In light of the volatile situation, security measures have been intensified to prevent any further violence. — Correspondent