Naqeebullah murder case: Rao Anwar fails to appear in court after ‘falling ill’

Court angered by the absence of Anwar, IO Dr Rizwan

KARACHI: Suspended police official Rao Anwar, who is currently in jail for allegedly killing a Waziristan native in an extra-judicial killing, failed to appear in court on Wednesday after 'falling ill', police officials said.

The prime accused in the killing of Naqeebullah Mehsud did not appear in court after jail authorities submitted his medical certificate to the court during the resumption of the hearing in an anti-terrorism court (ATC) in Karachi.



Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Qamar Ahmed along with 11 others were present in court. While presenting Anwar's medical certificate, the jail officials stated that he was too sick to be presented. Upon hearing this, the court expressed anger and demanded Anwar's presence during the next hearing at all costs.

Investigation Officer (IO) SSP Dr Rizwan also failed to appear during today's hearing, and was ordered by the court to submit details of progress made in nabbing the absconding suspects. The hearing will now resume on May 14.

On April 21, the ATC sent Anwar and Shakil Feroz on a judicial remand in the Naqeebullah murder case after the time limit of their physical remand had ended.

The investigation team presented Anwar and Feroze in court after a month-long investigation. IO Dr Rizwan had informed the court that Anwar’s investigation was complete and further remand was not required.

The IO had requested the court to give him time for submitting the final charge-sheet. The court accepted the request and sent both the accused to jail on a judicial remand.