KARACHI(National Times)- Pointing out serious lacunae in the investigations of a murder case involving alleged drug baroness Anmol Pinky, State Prosecutor Muhammad Arif Sitai has observed that the investigating officer (IO) has failed to collect substantial evidence in connection with the case.
He made such observations in a scrutiny note after the IO in the murder case filed an interim charge sheet before the court concerned.
The murder case was registered at the Baghdadi police station on May 9 on the complaint of an auto mechanic against Pinky, three days before her official arrest in two other cases, including those pertaining to drugs and possession of an unlicensed weapon.
In the FIR, the complainant stated that while riding his motorcycle along Haji Peer Muhammad Road on April 7, he noticed a crowd gathered at a spot where a Madadgar-15 police van and an ambulance were present.
The complainant claimed that he saw the body of a man lying on the footpath. He further stated that a small tin box was recovered from the deceased, on which the name of suspect Pinky was printed.
In the scrutiny note addressed to the IO of the case, the prosecutor pointed out that the FIR was registered with a delay of one month and that the investigator had failed to provide any explanation.
He further stated that the IO also failed to obtain footage from surveillance cameras installed in the surrounding area, adding that he did not record the statement of any eyewitness or of anyone, including the suspect who was allegedly in contact with the deceased.
According to the prosecutor, the complainant’s statement is yet to be recorded before a magistrate. He further noted that the reports of serologist, chemical examiner and DNA analysis are still awaited, and that the relevant expert opinions will be added to the final charge sheet.
Meanwhile, a judicial magistrate on Monday granted the IO an additional seven days to submit an interim charge sheet in the drugs and possession of an unlicensed weapon cases registered at the Garden police station against Pinky.
