Riot death: PTI dissatisfied with investigation team

They want ISI, MI and IB representatives in the JIT.

FAISALABAD:

Pakistan Tehreek-i -Insaf (PTI) on Monday objected to the joint investigation team (JIT) constituted for investigating the killing of a party worker on December 8.

Addressing a press conference, Provincial Assembly Member Sheikh Khurram Shehzad and PTI district president Rana Ahmad Raheel Minhas demanded arrest of former law minister Rana Sanaullah Khan and District Coordination Officer Noorul Amin Mengal.

Shehzad said the team included DSP Ahmad Nawaz Shah, Inspector Mian Majeed and Inspector Yasir Jatt.

Shehzad said, “Jatt leads Sanaullah’s gangsters. How can he investigate the incident impartially?” Sheikh Khurram said.

He said a new team should be formed, which should include a member of the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI).



Raheel said those arrested in connection with the case were being given a “VIP protocol.”

He said Haji Rasim Mughal, a witness to the shootinfg, was being harassed.

Raheel said Factory Area DSP Khalid Malik was a “private employee” of Rana Sanaullah.

“He should be investigated for having links with political figures,” he said.

Raheel said if justice was denied or delayed, the PTI would be forced to launch a protest movement.

Earlier, complainant Attaullah Khan also expressed his dissatisfaction over the team.

At a meeting with PTI leaders and JIT convener SSP Bilal Umar, Attaullah said he did not trust members of the investigation team.

“They might as well let Rana Sanaullah Khan investigate the case,” he had said.

He had also said that representatives of ISI, IB and MI should also be included in the JIT.

“I will not appear before the JIT if representatives of ISI, IB and MI are not included in it,” Attaullah added.

SSP Bilal Umar said the JIT was constituted on merit.

“The JIT will complete its task fairly and transparently,” the SSP added.

Factory Area DSP Khalid Malik flatly denied the assertion that he was private employee of Rana Sanaullah Khan. “I took an oath to discharge my duties in accordance with the law,” he said.

“I have no personal grudge with the complainant. I will assist the team investigate the case on merit. Our recommendations will be made on the basis of evidence collected,” he said.

Inspector Yasir Jatt also denied being employed by Rana Sanaullah.

“I joined the police department directly, without any favour or recommendation,” he said.

“My work will speak for itself,” he said.

Published in The Express Tribune, December 23^rd, 2014.