May 12 Carnage: Police told to investigate MQM worker

KARACHI: An anti-terrorism court (ATC) has ordered police to investigate former Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) sector-in-charge Raeesuddin alias Mama for his involvement in the May 12, 2007 carnage and present a report. The orders were given after police approached the ATC to initiate an inquiry into his alleged involvement in the events that unfolded on the day. The court, after admitting the request, has directed the police to present a report of the investigation. The police, in their application, had stated that a suspect, Rizwan Chughtai, has divulged details of Mama’s involvement in the carnage. Raees Mama was involved in an attack on the convoy of former Chief Justice Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry, said the police, seeking the court’s permission to initiate investigations against the suspect. Raees Mama is already in jail on account of providing refuge to terrorists at the MQM headquarters, Nine-Zero, and possession of illegal weapons. He also faces allegations of target killings of police officials and workers of rival political parties.  

Published in The Express Tribune, November 21^st, 2018.