Arm of the law: Doctor summoned for vague forensic report

Victim’s counsel says medical report lacks details

PESHAWAR: Peshawar High Court on Monday summoned the casualty medical officer of Mardan Medical Complex for allegedly preparing an ambiguous medico-legal report in a murder case. The notice was issued by Justice Qaiser Rashid who was hearing a bail application filed by Hussain Gul through his lawyer Yousaf Shah Mohmand. The counsel informed the court about the ambiguity in the report.

Mohmand said his client was injured in a gunfight with rivals Muhammad Farooq, Shafiq Ahmad and Abu Bakar on June 28 in Jhando village of Mardan. The shoot-out took place in the Sarro Shah police station’s jurisdiction. He added Shafiq succumbed to his injuries at the hospital.

Incomplete

The lawyer claimed the medico-legal report prepared by Dr Jamshed was vague and could not be admitted as evidence. “The officer never mentioned time of arrival, examination, duration between injury and death or the doctor’s statement,” he said. Mohmand said there seemed to be foul play on part of the medical officer.



Justice Rashid observed if a police official could be tried for negligence; why not a doctor. “He should be summoned over [suspected] foul play,” said the judge. He added the doctor had not performed his duty and ordered the official to appear before the court at the next hearing on October 19.

Published in The Express Tribune, October 13^th, 2015.