Sunday, June 20, 2010
KARACHI: Another security lapse at the city courts on Saturday allowed activists of a banned outfit to set free their accomplices from the custody of police. Sources said there were inadequate arrangements to curtail such incidents and the culprits even consumed drugs brought by their friends and relatives while in the court premises. The negligence of law enforcement agencies and court administration is evident as even high profile prisoners freely roam inside the court premises. Lawyers informed that as per the law, at least two police constables should accompany three culprits, who should be chained together. In the said incident, two constables were accompanying four prisoners, who were freely roaming in the premises without any chains. Meanwhile, court officials are also responsible, as they do not implement laws when prisoners are brought for hearings. Sources said the police should plan an advanced strategy before bringing any notorious criminals to the court. atif raza
2 dead, 3 injured in city courts attack
* Police constable Shahbaz Ghulam Rasool and UTP Murad Shah killed
By Faraz Khan
KARACHI: A policeman and a Jundullah militant were killed, while three under-trial prisoners (UTPs) escaped on Saturday in an attack at the city courts by Jundullah activists.
As per details, some six to eight militants entered the city courts around midday through Masjid-e-Bilal located inside the courts’ premises to free their four under-trial companions, hurling hand grenades and resorting to blanket firing.
Police constable Shahbaz Ghulam Rasool, 37, was deputed outside the courts lockup when the militants killed him and freed their companions, providing them with hand grenades.
Following the attack, the mosque’s windows were shattered and its exterior suffered damage as well.
It is pertinent to mention here that the four Jundullah militants - Murad Shah, Shakeeb Farooqui, Murtaza and Wazeer - were arrested for their involvement in the Muharram 8, 9 and 10 incidents.
These four militants belong to Jundullah’s third chain led by Arab militant Hamza Joffy alias Haji Mumtaz, an al-Qaeda operative.
As per senior police officials, the attackers were split in two groups, one of which was responsible for freeing their companions, while the other was responsible for transporting them.
After fleeing the court premises, a police mobile intercepted the UTPs near Jodia Bazaar.
The militants attacked the mobile and a battle ensued. Police succeeded in shooting one of the militants, Shah, who was trying to attack the mobile with a hand grenade. The hand grenade blew up in his hand, resulting in his immediate death.
Three passers-by identified as Sarfaraz, Abdul Kalam and Usman were also wounded in the incident and taken to the hospital.
However, the militants, including the three escaped prisoners, escaped before the heavy contingent of law enforcers arrived at the scene.
Special Investigation Unit chief Senior Superintendent of Police Raja Umer Khattab has termed Farooqui and Murtaza as a big threat.
He said these four militants were being tried at the Anti-Terrorism Court, but the case of recovery of a car was being heard at the lower court.
As per reports, security has been beefed up and a special team to arrest the militants has been formed.
Federal Interior Minister Rehman Malik has instructed the director general of the Pakistan Rangers, Sindh and Capital City Police Officer Waseem Ahmed to ensure the arrest of the militants.
Moreover, the government has announced a reward of Rs 1 million for providing information that leads to the arrest of the Jundullah militants.
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