Remand granted in university murder case

Student leader was shot dead, two others were injured in campus clash

ISLAMABAD:

A local court on Saturday remanded two additional suspects to police custody in connection with the murder of Abdullah Khan, a leader of the Insaf Students Federation at Abbottabad University of Science and Technology.

The incident occurred three days ago when a violent clash broke out between student groups from the Management Sciences and Mathematics departments on campus.

During the altercation, gunfire was reportedly exchanged, leaving Abdullah Khan dead and two other students injured. The killing sparked widespread student protests, disrupting academic activities.

Following the incident, an FIR was registered at Havelian Police Station under Sections 302 and 324 of the Pakistan Penal Code. Three students were nominated in the case, including Sanaullah Khan, son of PTI MPA Iftikhar Khan Jadoon.

Police initially arrested Hassan Khan, son of Ilyas Khan, and claimed to have recovered a 30-bore pistol allegedly used in the crime. Hours later, Iftikhar Khan Jadoon voluntarily presented his son Sanaullah Khan to the police.

In a statement posted on social media, Jadoon said he would not obstruct the course of justice, adding that he had been out of the city at the time of the incident and handed over his son upon returning. Expressing grief over Abdullah Khan's death, he described the victim as "like a son" to him and stressed that the law must apply equally to all, regardless of political affiliation or personal ties.

The suspects include Sanaullah Khan, a resident of Bandi Attai Khan, and Ehsanullah, son of Muhammad Naseem, a native of Parachinar currently residing in Shah Zaman Colony, Abbottabad. Both were produced before the court under tight security.

After hearing arguments from both sides, the court granted four-day physical remand of Sanaullah Khan and Ehsanullah to the police, while Hassan Khan was remanded for one day.