Four of the accused rapists were shot dead by their own gang members during an ambush on the Peshawar Police.
Police said the four suspects were being taken to the area where the alleged crime took place for identification and investigation when unidentified attackers opened indiscriminate fire on the police party.
According to the police account, the four suspects, who were in custody, were caught in the firing and died at the scene. Police said no officers were injured in the incident.
The dead suspects were identified by police as Amir, son of Iftikhar; Jalal, alias Raja, son of Meraj; Chacha, son of Qadous; and Amdas.
Police said the men had been arrested in connection with an alleged gang rape in Garhi Mosam Khan on Sunday night.
According to police, the suspects allegedly climbed over the wall of a house, entered the premises and sexually assaulted women at gunpoint.
A case was registered at Rehman Baba police station on September 6 under several provisions of Pakistan’s criminal law, including sections relating to robbery and sexual assault, as well as provisions of the Child Protection Act.
Police said weapons allegedly used in the crime had also been recovered from the suspects following their arrests.
Female police officers have been assigned to remain in contact with the victims, while counselling and psychological support are also being provided, investigators said.
The identities of the victims and suspects have not been disclosed in accordance with legal requirements.
Police said further action in the case would depend on forensic findings and other evidence.
An investigation into the shooting and the original sexual assault case is continuing.
