Rawalpindi, Apr 22— In a breakthrough in the gory Easter Day kidnapping and murder case of a seven-year-old girl, the prime suspect was gunned down by police during an operation in Rawalpindi.

As per police officials, the suspect—the girl’s maternal uncle—was arrested late last night in the Mandra area by a special police team. Officials confirmed that he was a drug addict.

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The suspect was taken to Mureed Phatak under police escort after the arrest to recover the suspected murder weapon. Underway, however, the team was ambushed by unknown assailants who attacked them and sprayed bullets. The police retaliated in self-defence. The suspect was critically hit in the gunfight and perished before admission to the hospital. His body was subsequently transferred to THQ Hospital, Gujar Khan.

Police have initiated a search to track and arrest the unknown gunmen who attacked the team. Security in the areas around it has also been increased.

The body of the victim had been found in an under-construction house in a 5-marla housing scheme on Sunday night. Her father lodged a formal complaint, which resulted in the registration of a case and the initiation of a thorough investigation.

Rawalpindi police have once again pledged to uphold justice and assured the masses that all people involved in the crime would be considered.

Investigations are still in process.