Custodial killings: Probing team directed to speed up investigations

If the killers are not arrested, we will ask for termination of the concerned SHOs, says CJ.

PESHAWAR: The Peshawar High Court (PHC) on Tuesday directed the investigation team probing the killing of ‘missing persons’ to expedite the process and to bring to justice all those involved in extrajudicial killings.

The directions were issued by a PHC division bench comprising Chief Justice (CJ) Dost Muhammad Khan and Justice Asadullah Khan Chamkani. The bench was hearing a suo motu notice taken over recovery of bodies in gunny bags in and around the provincial capital on August 16, 2012.

On Tuesday, SSP (investigation) Javed Zamiruddin Farooqi said legal heirs of those killed blame intelligence agencies but do not extend support. He said they hesitate to charge the suspects, which makes it difficult to arrest the accused.

The bench replied the manner in which the victims have been killed is similar, which provides enough evidence to track and arrest the killers.

“If Indian police can imprison a colonel, why do you fear when you know we will support you?” CJ Khan questioned, adding if the killers were not arrested, the court will ask for termination of the concerned SHOs. He added the city has been taken hostage by police and forces while the killers move freely.

The bench was also informed two police personnel, including an assistant sub-inspector, were charged for allegedly killing an Akora Khattak resident in Lassa Nawab area of Mansehra district. Their bails before arrest have been approved by a local court.

It later directed the probing team to expedite investigations into the issue and bring the culprits before court. The hearing was adjourned for July 23.

The court also directed inspector Mirza Ali to adopt ‘scientific methods’ and arrest those who assisted in the killing of 24-year-old Noor Bibi at the Lady Reading Hospital on March 26.

Ali informed the court all the suspects, including hospital staff and Noor’s alleged killer Jamshed (currently at central prison Peshawar), have been interrogated but no progress could be made since Jamshed has confessed of carrying out the murder alone.

Published in The Express Tribune, June 26^th, 2013.