September 19, 2008	Friday	Ramazan 18, 1429

KARACHI, Sept 18: The civil judge and judicial magistrate-III, South, on Thursday granted bail to one of the suspects in a bank robbery case against a surety bond of Rs100,000.

The suspect, Chindar Wali, through his counsel had moved a bail application in the court.

The police on Aug 21 had arrested two security guards deployed at the bank, Chindar Wali and Gul Hussain, and Noor Zali, father of another security guard who is stated to be a prime suspect in the case Shah Mohammad.

According to the prosecution, Shah Mohammad along with his associates had looted cash, savings certificates and valuables worth millions of rupees by breaking into the lockers of the Habib Bank Limited’s Mansfield Street branch in the limits of the Preedy police station by using gas-powered welding equipment in the wee hours of Aug 15.

Shah Mohammad had written a letter giving an eyewitness account of the crime before fleeing. The court had also granted bail to Noor Zali a couple of days back.

A case (FIR No 574/08) was registered at the Preedy police station. The prime suspect, Shah Mohammad, is still at large.

Kidnap case

The same court also granted bail to Mohammad Rafique, a suspect in a kidnapping case against a surety bond of Rs50,000.

Hassan Ahmed, Rafique and Khaqan Javed Qazi were arrested for allegedly kidnapping Mohammad Shakir from Defence Phase IV for ransom.

The suspects were on their way when Gizri police intercepted them. However, they instantly fled leaving behind the captive and the car. The police later managed to arrest the suspects. A car with a government number plate, arms, two uniforms and ID cards of a major were recovered from their possession.

A case (FIR No 331 and 325/08) was registered against the accused under Sections 365 and 170, 171, 419/34 of the Pakistan Penal Code at Gizri police station. The two other suspects have already been granted bail in the case.