A police team carrying out a child custody recovery operation in Pakistan was allegedly attacked and briefly held hostage by a mob, according to media reports.
The incident reportedly took place near Chichawatni after a court ordered the recovery of a child and his return to his father.
According to reports, Muhammad Latif had filed a petition seeking custody of his son, Muhammad Hasan, after alleging that his former in-laws refused to return the child.
Court order led to police raid
An additional district and sessions court reportedly issued recovery warrants and directed Kasowal Police to retrieve the child.
A five-member police team led by Tahir Masood then raided a residence in Iqbalnagar on Burewala Road.
Mob gathers, officers attacked
Police said tensions escalated after family members allegedly tore the court order and refused to hand over the child.
Soon after, around 20 people armed with sticks and batons reportedly gathered, shouted slogans and attacked the officers.
The police team was allegedly confined, while mobile phones and cash were also snatched.
Reinforcements rescue officers
Following an alert from a local resident, additional police units and Elite Force personnel reached the location, dispersed the crowd and freed the detained officers.
Authorities said the child was safely recovered during the operation.
Four arrested, case registered
Police confirmed that four individuals have been arrested so far.
A criminal case has reportedly been registered against named suspects and several unidentified persons under multiple sections of the Pakistan Penal Code.