Shahzeb Khan murder: ‘Shahrukh’s teeth, bones prove he’s over 18’

Up till now the high-profile suspect was treated as a juvenile.


Farhan Sharif February 07, 2013
Police officials escorting Shahrukh Jatoi. PHOTO: PPI

KARACHI:


Shahrukh Jatoi’s teeth and bones may have given him away. A second set of doctors have said that their tests indicate that he is older than 18 years — a revelation that means he could be tried as an adult for the murder of Shahzeb Khan.


“It is quite clear. All the teeth were present, including the four wisdom teeth,” a member of the medical board told The Express Tribune requesting anonymity since the case is still being heard in court. “It was very disappointing that the police did not bring the relevant documents for a complete investigation today [Wednesday].”

Jatoi is accused of killing Shahzeb Khan, the 20-year-old son of a police officer, in the upscale Defence neighbourhood of Karachi on December 25 over a petty dispute.

Earlier reports of his bone tests and a physical inspection declared him a minor, or under 18 years, and hence eligible for juvenile prison. But these assessments were rejected by the court, asserting that police surgeon Dr Jalil Qadri was not eligible to pronounce Jatoi a minor between the age of 17 and 18 years. Dr Qadri was asked to explain himself but he fled the scene.

Consequently, the provincial heath department gave six other doctors the job. They were led by Professor Junaid Ashraf, principal of Dow Medical College.

The board’s Dr Muhammed Taufeeq told the media that Jatoi underwent six X-rays and teeth and hair examinations in the presence of a large police team at the Services Hospital. After this he was escorted back to jail.

The medical board will meet again at 10:30 am on Saturday, February 9. Taufeeq said the investigation officer is required to submit all documents, including the bone tests and Jatoi’s physical report to the medical board on the same day as well.

The prime suspect had slipped away from the country to evade arrest after the murder and was escorted back by the police after he was deported from Dubai. He was pointed out as the alleged killer by witnesses during an identification parade.

An anti-terrorism court had earlier directed the medical superintendent of Services Hospital to form a medical board to conduct Jatoi’s ossification test on January 17.

Published in The Express Tribune, February 7th, 2013.

COMMENTS (36)

BC | 11 years ago | Reply

What about his birth certificate or a passport. Whatever age he may be he is as guilty as sin.

Adil Uddin | 11 years ago | Reply

Even if he escapes then messing with a cop can really get worse in the long run.He killed son of a cop and there's a saying that

"Police waloun ki na tau dosti achi aur na he dushmani"

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