The Anti-Terrorism Court (ATC) started the proceedings in the Sarfaraz Shah murder case on Tuesday after receiving the case files from the registrar.
ATC-I Karachi Division Judge Bashir Khan Khoso ordered the superintendent of Central Prison, Karachi, to produce all seven accused men before him on Wednesday (today).
The accused - six Rangers personnel and a civilian - would be given copies of the cases against them, including statements of witnesses, so that their lawyer can prepare their defence.
The prosecution has submitted a list of 46 witnesses, including two eyewitnesses. Special Public Prosecutor Muhammad Khan Buriro would conduct the trial.
During the proceedings, security was beefed up. Even journalists were asked to seek permission in writing to attend. The victim, Sarfaraz Shah, 19, was killed allegedly by Rangers personnel inside Shaheed Benazir Bhutto Park, Boat Basin. He was shot twice and one of the shots came from a G-3 rifle. The medico legal officers said he died from excessive bleeding as a major vein was ruptured.
Report submission delayed
The Sindh interior ministry has further extended the deadline for the submission of the investigation report on Sarfaraz Shah’s killing. According to a notification issued by the ministry, the Joint Investigation Committee (JIC) will now present its report on June 27. Sources said that the head of JIC, DIG East Sultan Khwaja requested a week’s extension from the Sindh government.
Published in The Express Tribune, June 22nd, 2011.
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