A local court reserved on Friday the verdict over the bail plea of the owner of the dog that mauled a lawyer in the Defence Housing Authority phase VI recently
The South district additional and sessions judge was hearing the plea of the accused dog owner, Humayon Khan, at Karachi City Court.
Humayon's dogs attacked Mirza Akhtar Ali Advocate when he was out on a morning walk in the quaint neighbourhood of Khyaban-e-Rahat. A viral CCTV footage shows two German Shepherds pounce on him and tackled him to the ground as he helplessly tries to defend himself. One of the dogs clamped its jaws on Akhtar Ali Advicate's right hand despite all efforts of the handlers to pull it away. It was only when the son of the owner gave the command that the dogs moved away from the victim.
The case was registered at the Darakhshan police station and Humayon acquired bail before arrest, while his employees were still behind bars.
At the outset of the hearing on Friday, the counsel representing Humayon presented his medical certificate.
The complainant's counsel, Naeem Qureshi, maintained that the respondent's counsel has made a false statement before the court. He contended that almost every person has medical issues like sugar and blood pressure and it is not something that could hinder anyone from appearing before the court.
At this, the court directed Humayon to appear before the court immediately. "The decision on Humayon's plea will be made on the basis of merit if he doesn't appear in the court," remarked the court.
The accused was brought to the court in wheelchair soon after the order.
His counsel apprised the court that Humayon was extremely ill and was undergoing medical treatment.
The court inquired from the respondent about his medical condition. At this, Humayon responded that he was having different medical issues, including shortness of breath and rigors.
Arguing against Humayon's counsel, the complainant's lawyer claimed that the mala fide intent of the accused was apparent and these aspects cannot be considered during the hearing of a bail plea.
He claimed that the life of a citizen was put at risk due to respondent's action therefore his bail plea should be rejected. Humayon was not willing to cooperate with the investigation officer (IO), he added to his argument.
The prosecutor opposed bail for Humayon as well. He contended that this case must become an example for the future so that no more such cases occur.
At this, the counsel representing Khan maintained that despite Khan is not directly related to the offence but he is willing to apologize publicly through media. He contended that the bail cannot be rejected in case of bailable offences.
Earlier during the hearing, the IO submitted the initial report in the court.
Upon the court's inquiry about whether the pet-dog was taken into custody, the IO apprised that the dog was under their custody.
The court reserved the verdict on the plea and adjourned the hearing till today (Saturday).
Published in The Express Tribune, June 26th, 2021.
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