Intizar murder case handed over to CTD

SSP Muqaddas Haider, girl in car accused of being involved in boy's death

KARACHI: Investigations into the murder of Intizar Ahmed in Defence Housing Authority (DHA) have been handed over to the Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD).

"With the approval of competent authority, the investigation of the Intizar murder case registered at the Darakhshan police station is hereby assigned to the CTD under the supervision of CTD Deputy Inspector-General (DIG) Amir Farooqi with immediate effect. DIG Farooqi shall assign the investigation to an efficient and competent investigating officer and will ensure impartial investigation, early detection and finalisation on merit," reads a notification issued by Headquarters DIG Munir Ahmed Shaikh on Monday.

Earlier, South Investigations SP Farooq Awan was heading the investigations into the murder.



Intizar was shot dead late in the evening on January 13 on Khayaban-e-Ittehad after officials of the Anti-Car Lifting Cell (ACLC) allegedly resorted to indiscriminate firing at a white Corolla.

Though the police had initially claimed that the boy was killed in an act of targeted killing by at least two armed assailants riding a motorcycle, it was later revealed that the ACLC personnel were responsible for the incident. Later, the Darakhshan police arrested nine ACLC personnel, including two inspectors and two gunmen of ACLC Chief SSP Muqaddas Haider, for their alleged role in the murder.

Besides the arrests, SSP Haider and two ACLC DSPs were also removed from their posts to carry out transparent investigations. SSP Haider came on the radar after investigators revealed the involvement of his two gunmen - Bilal and Daniyal - in the incident.

The move of transferring investigations of the case from the South police to the CTD came after Intizar's father, Ishtiaq Ahmed, accused SSP Haider of being involved in the murder. Besides accusing the former ACLC chief, the bereaved father also accused his son's two friends - Madiha Kayani and Salman - of their involvement in the murder as they were present with Intizar when the firing occurred and did not even sustain a minor injury despite the 'indiscriminate firing'.



Both Kayani and Salman were also involved in the murder, Ishtiaq alleged. "They knew each and every thing. Salman had introduced Intizar to that girl who took him to the site of the incident," the father claimed. He alleged that the SSP's gunmen had targeted his son, killing him on the spot. The girl is believed to be a police officer's daughter and the investigators are also looking into the possibility that Intizar was killed for 'honour'.

According to the police, statements of both Kayani and Salman had been recorded. While talking to the media, South DIG Azad Khan said SSP Haider would also be investigated if any evidence was found against him.

SSP Haider has denied allegations regarding his involvement in the murder. "I admitted that my gunmen were there and they should not have been there but they did it in their personal capacity. I am not linked with the incident," he claimed.



Separately, a South judicial magistrate held a hearing of the case on Monday. Officials of the ACLC were also presented before the court. The investigation officer requested the court for extension in physical remand of the suspects to carry out further investigation, upon which extension was granted till January 27. Interim bail has been obtained by Inspector Tariq Rahim, who is also suspect in the case.