Ex-SHO remanded to police custody in illegal arms case

Gopang had secured bail in fake encounter case of Arsalan Mehsud

KARACHI:

A special anti-terrorism court on Wednesday handed over suspended Orangi Police Station SHO Azam Gopang to the police on physical remand in a case under the provisions of Sindh Arms Act.

Gopang faces charges of being party to the fake police encounter in which a Grade XII student Arsalan Mehsud was shot dead by a constable in plainclothes allegedly to snatch the youth's new 125cc motorcycle.

Although he had acquired bail before arrest, investigators nailed him in illegal arms case - a non-bailable offence. Subsequently, accused Azam Gopang was produced before the Karachi-based special ATC on Wednesday. The prosecutor argued that the case had nothing to do with the murder of young Arsalan.

Investigation officer SSP Abid Qaimkhani argued that the police had to investigate whether the weapon was used in the incident or not. The court remarked, "You should have obtained remand in this case from the magistrate concerned."

The IO said that the weapon is required to be sent for ballistic testing during remand. The suspect's subordinates have been remanded by the ATC.

Gopang has acquired bail in all other cases he was nominated in the FIR of Arsalan Mehsud's murder, however, police arrested him in illegal arms case.

The court remanded the accused to police and ordered to produce him along with the other suspects on December 20.

Read More: Fake encounter victim laid to rest

During the hearing, a large number of members of the Mehsud tribe, including the relatives of slain Arsalan, protested outside the special ATC. Protesters carried placards and chanted slogans.

A large contingent of police and Rangers was also stationed around the court on the occasion.

Protest for justice

Family and community of Arslalan Mehesud held a protest on Northern Bypass aginst the alleged murder of the youth in a staged police encounter.

The protestors blocked the road and demanded justice for Arsalan. They said that the perpetrators of the murder should be given exemplary punishment.

The protestors said that police are trying to protect their colleagues, but they will go to any extent to ensure that justice is done.

The deceased's father Liaquat Mehsud and heads and officials of All Pakistan Oil Tanker Owners Association, Dumper Association, Goods Transport, Mazda Good Carrier, Bus Owners Association Car Carriers Association and other associations were present at the protest.

 

Published in The Express Tribune, December 16^th, 2021.