Daily Times

An anti-terrorism court Saturday sent suspended SSP Rao Anwar to jail till May 2 in the case of Naqeebullah Mehsud, who was killed in a fake encounter in the city.

Anwar was presented in the court after his physical remand ended.

During the hearing, investigation officer, SSP Central Dr Rizwan, sought time to submit the final chargesheet, saying the joint investigation team inquiry by had not been completed yet. Subsequently, the anti-terrorism court granted time to the investigation officer and adjourned the cast till May 2.

The court also sent to jail on judicial remand constable Shakeel, who was reportedly part of the team which killed Naqeebullah in the fake encounter.

Moreover, the court extended judicial remand of former DSP Qamar Ahmed and eight others.

After the hearing when a journalist asked the suspended SSP if Naqeebullah was a terrorist, Anwar said he would respond to the question after the final chargesheet is submitted in the court. Strict security arrangements were made, while an additional contingent of police was deployed around the anti-terrorism court before the appearance of Anwar. Naqeebullah’s family and members of Pashtun Qaumi Jirga also reached the court before hearing started.

Cases have been filed against 24 accused in the murder case of Naqeebullah. Out of the count, 11 have been arrested while 13 others are absconding.

Naqeebullah was killed in a fake encounter reportedly on January 13 in Karachi. Anwar declared Naqeebullah a terrorist after news of the fake encounter aired on the television on January 18. A case on the incident was filed on January 19, while Anwar was suspended from duty the next day.

Published in Daily Times, April 22^nd 2018.