HYDERABAD, Jan 30: The Anti-Terrorism Court here on Wednesday acquitted the senior vice president of Pakistan People’s Party (SB), Sindh, Ameer Bux Umrani and three absconding accused persons in the kidnapping for ransom case of Airaj Ameen Khaskheli, as prosecution failed to prove the charges against them.

However, four accused persons, Ali Gul, Mithal Khaskheli, Rahib Thebo and Mir Shahnawaz Talpur, have been sentenced to 28 years of rigorous imprisonment and a fine of Rs100,000 each in two separate cases.

In default of payment they would have to undergo one more year of imprisonment.

The charges against that the accused were that they had kidnapped Airaj Ameen Khaskheli on Dec 16, 2000, within the jurisdiction of Bhitai Nagar police station while he was returning from his college in his car along with the driver, Khamiso Kambrani.

Around nine prosecution witnesses were examined by the court.

The prosecution failed to prove the charges against Ameer Bux Umrani with regard to payment of ransom money because Mohammad Shareef, friend of Alam Khaskheli, had deposed as defence witness, and denied to have handed over any amount to Umrani as ransom for the release of Airaj Ameen.

Umrani was represented by Naseer Abro and Irfan Ali Kalhoro, advocates.

It may be pointed out here that the accused persons in the said case, Ali Gul, Rahib Thebo and Mir Shahnawaz Talpur, have already been sentenced to 34 years of rigorous imprisonment in the kidnapping case.