LHC acquits man in power pilferage case

LAHORE:

The Lahore High Court (LHC) has set aside the conviction of a man accused of electricity theft, overturning a trial court's decision that had sentenced him to one year and three months in prison along with a fine of Rs100,000.

Chief Justice Aalia Neelum heard the appeal filed by Ghulam Jaffar, who had challenged the earlier verdict. Granting him the benefit of doubt, the court accepted his appeal and ordered his acquittal.

In its written judgment, the court observed that the prosecution's account contained ambiguities and lacked sufficient evidence to establish guilt.

According to the FIR, Jaffar had allegedly been caught stealing electricity directly from the main power lines.

The trial court later convicted Jaffar and imposed imprisonment along with a fine.