Polling day murder: JIT to investigate case

Police seek additional physical custody of suspects

RAWALPINDI:

The Punjab Government has formed a joint investigation team (JIT) to look into the murder of the nephew of former Punjab law minister Muhammad Basharat Raja.

Inspector Mirza Shafique, a memnber of the JIT, on Saturday informed an anti-terrorism court (ATC) that the provincial government had formed the team to investigate the case, and sought additional physical remand custody of 14 days.

Special Judge ATC-II Asif Majeed Awan granted 10-day physical custody of Asad Mahmood, PML-N candidate for chairman in UC-86 Dhamial, his father Jan Nisar, Adil Rehman, and Umar Abbasi, who were all arrested in the case.

The judge asked the investigation officer why the police needed additional custody of the suspects, given that they had already been given to the police for 30 days. In response, the investigation officer said the SHO of the Saddar Bairuni police station had been changed, and that the JIT would now start investigating the case.

Appearing on behalf of the accused, Advocate Ansar Mirza said that it was not a case of terrorism, and that the court did not need to grant more physical remand of his clients.

A large number of people gathered outside the court. Riot police were also present outside the court to maintain law and order.

Complainant Raja Shuja Iqbal, elder brother of the deceased Raja Shoaib Iqbal, had informed the police that Ikhlaq Mahmood, younger brother of Asad, shot dead Shoaib on December 5, 2015 – the day of the local government elections in the city.

The complaint had alleged that Ikhlaq, Asad, and others attacked Shoaib and his companions outside a busy polling station.

It may also be mentioned here that the police had reportedly arrested Akhlaq Mahmood four days ago, but had yet to be presented before a court.

Published in The Express Tribune, January 10^th, 2016.