ATC extends physical remand of ‘Indian spies’

Separately, postpones hearing of youth’s murder case

KARACHI: An anti-terrorism court (ATC) extended on Thursday the physical remand of three alleged Indian spies associated with Muttahida Qaumi Movement-London (MQM-L) by seven days.

The three suspects, accused of belonging to the Indian intelligence agency Research and Analysis Wing (RAW) were presented before the ATC administrative court.

The men, identified as Adil Ansari, Majid and Shahid alias Shooter, were allegedly operating a RAW network in Karachi and funding various banned terrorist outfits carrying out criminal activities in the port city. They had also been allegedly providing information about various agencies and important installations operating in the metropolis to RAW.

The authorities seized illegal weapons and explosives from the possession of the accused, who were arrested from different parts of the city. Meanwhile, investigations are underway to apprehend other involved suspects.

The alleged spies, who were brought to the court in an armoured vehicle, have been handed over to the police on a further seven-day physical remand.

Lawyer absent in ACLC case

Separately, an ATC adjourned the hearing until April 9 of a case regarding the alleged killing of a youth as a result of firing by Anti-Car Lifting Cell (ACLC) personnel.

The hearing, conducted in the ATC complex in Central Jail Karachi, was postponed due to absence of the accused’s lawyers.

On January 13, 2018, Intizar, 19, was reportedly shot dead by police personnel in Defence Housing Authority. Eight ACLC police personnel have been arrested in the case, while one is out on bail.

The statements of five witnesses, three policemen and Intizar’s father Ishtiaq Ahmed were previously recorded. At the next hearing, the statements of the remaining witnesses are to be recorded.

Investigation officer absent

Another ATC adjourned the hearing until April 10 of a case regarding the murder of a police inspector due to the absence of the investigation officer.

The court has declared eight accused as proclaimed offenders in the case, while Zulfi, Ashfaq Boxer, Fahim Jabalour, Kamran and others were declared absconders. According to the police, the suspects had gunned down Inspector Taufiq Zahid in 2004. 

Published in The Express Tribune, March 27^th, 2020.