“It is still not clear whether he [Shahrukh Jatoi] is still in Dubai or departed from there as well,” says officer. PHOTO: ATHAR KHAN/ THE EXPRESS TRIBUNE
Despite earlier reports, authorities are yet to arrest Shahrukh Jatoi, the prime suspect in Shahzeb Khan’s murder– an incident that provoked a public outcry and grabbed the attention of the country’s top court as well.
A team of police officials had left for Dubai on Monday after securing an arrest warrant for Shahrukh Jatoi, accused along with Siraj Talpur, of murdering 20-year-old Shahzeb Khan in Karachi two weeks ago.
Reports late Monday evening suggested that Shahrukh had been taken into custody in Dubai and a legal process begun to bring him back to Pakistan. However, police officials in Karachi and Dubai denied the reports, saying there was no breakthrough.
Sindh police spokesperson SSP Emran Shaukat told The Express Tribune that there was no progress as far as arresting Shahrukh was concerned. He added that police officials in Karachi were in touch with the team visiting Dubai. “Obviously, we have yet to arrest Shahrukh Jatoi. If he really was arrested, why would we not share the news? It would be a good thing for all,” he said.
Similarly, the Dubai police also denied the reports. According to Dubai-based newspaper Gulf News, an official from the Dubai police denied that Shahrukh was arrested on Monday, as opposed to what some Pakistani media outlets had reported.
Meanwhile, a senior official of the Karachi police told The Express Tribune that the visiting police team is currently busy in a legal process for Shahrukh’s deportation from Dubai, if he really is present there.
“It is still not clear whether he [Shahrukh Jatoi] is still in Dubai or departed from there as well,” said the officer. “Confirming his whereabouts and obtaining documents for red warrants will take at least two weeks,” he added.
The official said that Shahrukh’s father Sikander Jatoi is most likely in Pakistan but is continuously moving from one place to another to avoid arrest. He added that the police are continuing raids for his arrest, nonetheless.
Meanwhile, forensic experts said that Shahzeb’s vehicle was hit from a 15-foot distance and a 9mm pistol was used in the shooting. Sources said that two bullets hit the windscreen, two the back screen while another one hit the driver’s seat.
The experts had found nine shells which were sent to the forensic division. They were, however, unable to determine whether the victim was shot with one pistol or more.
Published in The Express Tribune, January 9th, 2013.
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As soon as Pakistani officials reached Dubai, the news became false.
A ploy by the Karachi police to make a free trip to Dubai :)