ISLAMABAD, Jan 26: An undertrial prisoner (UTP) suffered multiple injuries when a group of handcuffed criminals attacked him in a lock-up at the main court complex in the capital, officials said.

Four UTPs, undergoing trial for robberies and vehicle theft, were being handcuffed before their transportation to Adiala Jail from the district and session courts when they attacked another alleged auto thief, LAK, who had been arrested by the Kohsar police.

As the four men started beating and thrashing LAK, also using the handcuffs and chains, other inmates of the Bukhshi Khana started shouting for help, prompting the authorities to call police officials deployed nearby, besides seeking the help of Margalla police also stationed in the vicinity.

However, the UTPs roughed LAK up, who suffered multiple injuries and started bleeding. Dozens of policemen cordoned off the lock-up and some entered it to rescue the injured. The guards faced resistance while rescuing LAK and some of them also suffered blows. However, they managed to overpower the UTPs and the injured was shifted to the hospital for medical assistance. The police said LAK suffered serious head injures.

A case was later registered against the four UTPs.

The police said it was yet to be ascertained as to why the UTPs burst with anger and attacked their fellow inmate. The police believed that they might have had some differences and exchanged harsh words, which led to the brawl.

There is also a possibility that the attack was staged to make an escape amid the fuss, the police said.