OKARA: A couple returning home after attending a panchayat (village jury) at Chah Chakiwala, held to de cide a monetary dispute, was shot dead by six unidentified persons after torture on Monday night.

As per the first information report (FIR), Manshad Ali, along with his wife Kaniz Fatima, went to Chah Chakkiwala, where his brother-in-law Tahir had called a panchayat to decide a monetary dispute with one Adnan of the same family and locality.

The jury comprising 12-15 men heard both sides but failed to resolve the issue, the FIR says.

It says that during the discussion over the issue, Tahir and Adnan exchanged harsh words, but they were calmed by the panchayat.

After attending the gathering, Manshad and his wife were returning to their native Hasham Key village on a motorcycle, when six unidentified armed men intercepted them at a deserted place near Kaparwala locality and subjected the couple to physical torture. The attackers later shot the husband and wife dead.

Haveli Lakkha police have registered a case on the report of Manshad Ali`s brother Mumtaz Ahmad against six unidentified armed suspects under sections 302, 148 and 149 of the Pakistan Penal Code (PPC).