KARACHI: Witnesses on Wednesday told a pre-trial court that the prime suspect had shot Shahzeb Khan while being assisted by his two accomplices.
World | Pakistan
Witnesses identify Khan killers
Suspects were hooded and presented in court
- By Mohammad Ashraf, Correspondent
- Published: 19:10 January 9, 2013
Police on Wednesday brought witnesses in the magisterial court to establish the identities of Sajjad Talpur, Siraj Talpur and Ghulam Murtaza Lashari, who are accused of chasing the 20-year-old Khan and killing him in late December in Karachi, allegedly after he protected his sister from the trio.
All the three suspects were hooded in black before they were brought into the court, where their faces were revealed in the presence of the magistrate and the witnesses. The police concealed the identities of the witnesses, who were said to the close friends of Khan, to ensure their safety and security. An investigating officer later told media that the witnesses recognised the suspects and recorded their statements to the magistrate.
The witnesses told the court that Siraj shot Khan while his brother Sajjad and Ghulam aided him in the crime.
“Sajjad shouted at Siraj, he is alive, shoot him with more bullets,” a witness was quoted as saying by the police.
Ghulam is alleged to have added: “Yes he is alive, shoot more bullets.”
Another prime suspect, Shahrukh Jatoi, absconded after the crime.
The Supreme Court of Pakistan reprimanded the provincial chief of police and accused of laxity in the case after the court took a suo moto notice of the murder.
The apex court has adjourned the case with a warning to the police to arrest Jatoi before the next hearing, which was scheduled for Thursday.
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