Journalist's nominated killers escape from court

The nominated suspects in the murder case of the outspoken journalist Nasrullah Gadani escaped from the court when the judge cancelled their bail.

The Ghotki district Anti-Terrorism Court judge on Monday cancelled bail of PPP MNA Khalid Loond and his two sons in the case of killing journalist Nasrullah Gadani who had become famous for his blunt criticism of feudal lords, politicians, bureaucrats and police officers.

However, after turning down their bail plea the MNA, who is associated with the ruling Pakistan Peoples Party, and his sons Shahbaz Loond and Noor Muhammad Loond escaped from the court with apparent police connivance because no attempt was made to stop them.

Gaddani was fatally shot on May 21 by unknown assailants. He died two days later in a hospital in Karachi after fighting for his life. During the court hearing it became certain that the accused MNA and his sons will not be able to secure an extension in their bail.

The court also rejected the request of the district police to expunge sections of the Anti Terrorism Act and to remove the name of Loond from the case. Brother of victim said Loond is using his influence to detach him from the murder case. "But we will not surrender to the threats and this fight for justice for my martyred brother will continue."

Later, Gaddani family and their supporters took out a rally which staged a sit-in outside the SSP Ghotki's office.

The protesters demanded the arrest of the MNA and his sons. They complained that despite the rejection of bail of Loond and his sons, Ghotki police appear reluctant to lay their hands on the accused.