Court sends accused on two-day physical remand

A local court sent on Saturday three men accused of blackmailing and harassing a woman who died by suicide in Shadaman Town on a two-day physical remand.

The three men, including primary accused Waqas, were presented before the Central judicial magistrate, who was informed by the investigation officer (IO) that three others accused in the case were on the run.

The IO told the court that efforts were being made to arrest the accused on the run, who were named along with those arrested in a voice message sent by the deceased woman, S*, to her friend.

Uzair Baloch case

Separately, the court directed the jail authorities to submit the notification issued by the Sindh Home Department for holding the hearings of a case against Lyari gang war leader Uzair Baloch, in connection with attack on police and attempted murder, at Karachi Central Jail instead of Karachi City Court.

The South additional district and sessions judge issued the directive after the jail officials failed to present Uzair before the court.

A letter by the jail senior superintendent was submitted to the court.

The letter stated that Baloch had been convicted in other cases and couldn't be transported to Karachi City Court due to security concerns. The jail official requested the court to hold the case's hearings at Karachi Central Jail and not to hear the case until the provincial Home Department issued a notification for the same.

Besides, the government lawyer informed the court that the police file of the case was not available.

The court directed the jail authorities to either produce Uzair Baloch before the court at the next hearing on May 3, or present the Home Department's notification. The court also summoned the IO at the next hearing.

According to the police, 10 persons, including Shahjahan Baloch, have been acquitted in the case.

Fake faith healers jailed

Separately, East Judicial Magistrate Syed Imran Imam Zaidi sent two fake faith healers to jail in a fraud case.

Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) officials presented the accused, Awais and Arsalan, before the court.

Investigation officer Ravez Ali shah informed the court that the accused had been swindling money from citizens on pretext of helping them achieve their objectives.

The court sought a report mentioning the number of citizens defrauded by the accused, among other details, and sent the accused to jail. The court also sought a report on the case's investigation from the FIA.

*initial used to protect identity

Published in The Express Tribune, April 11^th, 2021.