MULTAN: An anti-terrorism court on Tuesday acquitted the ringleader of Chhotu Gang, Ghulam Rasool alias Chhotu, and others of charges of kidnapping for ransom.

A first information report had been lodged with Basti Malook police station on April 11, 2013, by Bahadur Khan stating that Rasool, Ishaq and Khalid alias Khaldi kidnapped his brother Dr Khan Wazir, Shahzaib Khan and their driver Nazir Ahmed when they were returning from Lahore. He alleged that the suspects were demanding ransom to release the abducted persons. The hearing of the case took place at the new central jail where Rasool was imprisoned.

The ATC No 3, after completion of arguments from both sides, acquitted the suspects of the charges giving them the benefit of the doubt.

Ten cases against Rasool and other alleged members of his gang were being heard by two ATCs of Multan.

Published in Dawn, December 11th, 2019