Father’s shame: Artist Awan’s suspected killer commits suicide

The man killed self after father found out.

ISLAMABAD:

In an unforeseen twist to a murder mystery, the main suspect in the murder of an Islamabad-based artist committed suicide in his hometown in AJK.

Asif Altaf was working as a domestic helper for artist and human rights activist Arjumand Awan. The latter was brutally killed at his house in National Police Foundation on March 30. Altaf was the police’s prime suspect. A murder case was registered against him and a warrant issued for his arrest.

According to Investigation Officer Muhammad Ashaq, the Lohi Bher police received a call from the AJK police on April 6, informing that Altaf had committed suicide at a relative’s house by shooting himself with a pistol. Later, his father confirmed Altaf had shot himself in Plandari, AJK.

The police officer informed that Asif was the son of Altaf Hussain, a former chairman of the AJK Zakat and Ushr Committee. According to the police, Altaf committed suicide after his father found out he was allegedly involved in Awan’s murder.

Earlier, Asif had run away from home and started working as a servant at Awan’s house, all the while telling his parents that he was working as a computer operator.

“We are waiting for the medical report from the AJK police, which will then be submitted to the court,” said Ashaq.

When asked about the case’s future, the police said that the other domestic helper, Shah Nawaz, is also a suspect and is still being tracked down.

“Our investigation will now move towards the arrest of Shah Nawaz. If he was involved, he will be booked.”

Published in The Express Tribune, April 9^th, 2014.