The prime suspect in Lahore’s high-profile Ameer Balaj Tipu murder case, Khawaja Tarif alias Teefi Butt, was killed late Friday night in an alleged police encounter soon after being brought back to Pakistan from Dubai.

According to police officials, Teefi Butt was fatally hit by his own associates’ fire during a clash that erupted while he was being transferred from Rahim Yar Khan to Lahore for interrogation.

Police sources said the incident took place when armed men attacked the police van transporting the accused in an attempt to free him.

“The police retaliated, and in the exchange of fire, Teefi Butt came under his companions’ bullets,” a senior officer said. One constable, Noor Hassan, was reportedly injured in the shootout.

Sources confirmed that Teefi Butt had been arrested in Dubai on October 4 with Interpol’s assistance and was handed over to Lahore police before being shifted to Rahim Yar Khan for further investigation.

Following the shootout, Lahore police raided the residence of another key suspect, Gogi Butt, but no arrests were made.

Officials said Gogi Butt has been underground for several days, and efforts are underway to apprehend him.

Background: A feud steeped in blood

The Ameer Balaj Tipu murder case is the latest chapter in a decades-long violent rivalry between Lahore’s Truckanwala family and the Butt gang, which includes Gogi Butt and Teefi Butt.

Ameer Balaj Tipu hailed from the influential Truckanwala family, known in Lahore’s business and transport circles. His grandfather, Billa Truckanwala and father, Arif alias Tipu Truckanwala, were prominent figures in the goods transport industry.

The feud began in 1993, claiming multiple lives over the years. In 1994, Billa Truckanwala was killed, prompting Tipu Truckanwala to avenge his father’s death.

However, the bloodshed continued; in 2010, Tipu Truckanwala himself was shot dead in the Lahore airport parking lot.

The animosity then shifted to his son, Ameer Balaj Tipu.

The murder of Ameer Balaj Tipu

On February 18, 2024, gunmen opened fire at a wedding ceremony in Lahore’s Chuhang area, leaving Ameer Balaj Tipu and three others critically injured. Tipu later succumbed to his wounds in the hospital.

Police investigations identified the Gogi Butt group as the main perpetrators, with Teefi Butt accused of masterminding the attack.

Several suspects were arrested in the aftermath, including Ahsan Shah, a close associate of Ameer Balaj, who was later killed in a controversial police encounter.

During the probe, both Gogi Butt and Teefi Butt were charged with planning and financing the murder.

Teefi fled abroad soon after but was tracked down and extradited through Interpol cooperation, only to be killed within hours of his return to Pakistan.