Baby taken into hiding after attempted murder charge
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LAHORE: Relatives of a nine-month old baby charged with attempted murder have taken him into hiding, one said on Tuesday, in a case that has thrown a spotlight on Pakistan's dysfunctional criminal justice system.
Baby Musa Khan appeared in court in Lahore last week, charged with attempted murder along with his father and grandfather after a mob protesting against gas cuts and price increases stoned police and gas company workers trying to collect overdue bills.
"Police are vindictive. Now they are trying to settle the issue on personal grounds, that's why I sent my grandson to Faisalabad for protection," the baby's grandfather, Muhammad Yasin, told Reuters.
The baby is on bail and due to appear at the next hearing on April 12 but Yasin said he was not sure if he would take him to court for the case.
"There is immense pressure on me from various corners," he said.
At his first appearance in court last week, Musa cried while his fingerprints were taken by a court official. Later, the baby sucked on a bottle of milk and tried to grab journalists' microphones as his grandfather spoke to the media.
"He does not even know how to pick up his milk bottle properly, how can he stone the police?" Yasin asked journalists at the court last Thursday.
The baby was apparently charged because an assistant sub-inspector complained in a crime report that Musa's whole family beaten him up and injured his head.
The case has once again highlighted dysfunction in Pakistan's police and justice system. Poorly trained and underpaid police are frequently accused of corruption and human rights abuses. Many are not even qualified to write a crime report.
Commanders say it is not their fault, pointing out that the this year's federal budget gave the military about $6 billion and the police a paltry $686 million.
The provincial law minister, Rana Sanaullah Khan, told Reuters that the provincial chief minister had ordered an investigation into the charges against Musa. One policeman had been suspended, he said.
"He has directed police authorities to take action against the officials who booked the infant," he said.
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Comments (56) Closed
Apr 08, 2014 04:29pm
the youngest man on the run, ever! what a farce
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Apr 08, 2014 04:31pm
shame shame
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Apr 08, 2014 04:45pm
Yesterday, i got my US citizenship. Finally, i can breath easy as I can disassociate myself from this corrupt country now.
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Apr 08, 2014 04:49pm
Why does the Chief Justice not take action against the Judge who keeps ordering the 9 month old appear for bail and fingerprinting? why was the case not dismissed in the first instance? Wake up CJ.
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Apr 08, 2014 04:55pm
GOD!! whaatttt a country! WHAT A COUNTRY!! So, no one taken to taskffrom FIA/CAA etc etc who let Shahzaib's murderer FLY out of country! but a 9 month old baby has to go through bail and what not! little confused here! should we laugh at this or cry!??
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Apr 08, 2014 05:03pm
Oh my God! This is Ridiculous. how can a baby attempt for killing even who could not properly fed milk.
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Apr 08, 2014 05:14pm
And that is how Dr.Evil was born ...
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Apr 08, 2014 05:15pm
If it is really true then folks the society we live in is facing a severe rarity of moral values. Who is going to protect us from our protector called police.. It is really sickening . Things have become devalued in Pakistan to the point where people don't realize the repercussions, that they're devaluing themselves. It could end up bringing about chaos, a lawless situation. Which in fact is the case anywhere you go in Pak land
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Apr 08, 2014 05:21pm
WTF is wrong with Pakistan system......what are the leaders doing?.....this is so embarrassing! Poor little boy does not even know wrong from right! EDUCATION is the only way the police can survive there.
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Apr 08, 2014 05:27pm
@Rabia: "the youngest man on the run, ever!"
At least, we can claim a place in the Guinness book of world records.
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Apr 08, 2014 05:28pm
@Rabia: SOS! Safe Our Souls ................
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Apr 08, 2014 05:28pm
If it is really true then folks the society we live in is facing a severe rarity of moral values. Who is going to protect us from our protector called police.. It is really sickening . Things have become devalued in Pakistan to the point where people don't realize the repercussions, that they're devaluing themselves. It could end up bringing about chaos, a lawless situation. Which in fact is the case anywhere you go in Pak land
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Apr 08, 2014 05:31pm
Every time I am convinced we have hit rock bottom, somebody proves me wrong. The irony is the players are the same and since we cannot get rid of the rotten judiciary, political system and the list goes on, I have to believe there is no hope.
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Apr 08, 2014 05:39pm
Well done Punjab Police you have added yet another feather in your cap you have given new meaning to famous proverb i.e. nip the evil in the bud keep it up
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Apr 08, 2014 06:03pm
Such is the sad state of Pakistan. Limited modern education and resources and abundance ignorance, religious intolerance and corrupt leaders.
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Apr 08, 2014 06:11pm
This is how low a nation can go, where is Pakistan going .
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Apr 08, 2014 06:27pm
@Zaki Ahmed:
Don't you you think that is a selfish statement? Also if you believe by changing a passport you can become an American you might be in for a rude awakening. Not sure what you are doing on Dawn.com after you took your oath but obviously you do care about Pakistan and must stand up and do more to change the corrupt society that gave us so much to be successful in America.
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Apr 08, 2014 06:28pm
So If I write on the FIR "All Pathans attacked me at the same time", does that mean all Pathans are culprits, and that they should be jailed?
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Apr 08, 2014 06:33pm
I am wondering why this case has not been dismissed. What kind of proof this Judge want. How in the world a small baby can be indicted. Shame on our corrupt police and inept judiciary. Still judiciary want to drag this case. I am totally aghast about this whole case. Why only suspension of the policeman why not dismiss him from his job and charge him for his malafide intentions.Definitely it is a case of bribery also. But who took the money from accuser side.
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Apr 08, 2014 07:19pm
It is time, it is time now to recruit degree graduates as police constables. To make it broad based education, preference should go to those who have a degree in English Language.
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Apr 08, 2014 07:22pm
@Zaki Ahmed:
Congratulations brother. Please accept the culture of that country, Please help your children and grandchildren to fully and completely accept the secular culture of the US.. Please do not let our countrymen turn USA into another Pakistan or India.
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Apr 08, 2014 07:23pm
On a slightly lighter note, baby musa does not look like nine month old to me. more like 2-4.
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Apr 08, 2014 07:38pm
This is what Pakistan is..... This is our police beauty. It clearly shows the competency, talent and caliber of our police. One important thing to note here is, this is the police of provence which is considered best in all 4. God bless our nation.
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Apr 08, 2014 07:45pm
Yes, the police is extremely corrupt, the judiciary even more corrupt, and the CJ has all the time to take suo moto actions for ridiculous reasons, but you will see, in due time, that there is more to this story than being told at this moment.
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Apr 08, 2014 08:04pm
This is the height of stupidity witnessed in an avengeful population only found in Pakistan!
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Apr 08, 2014 08:10pm
@Zaki Ahmed:
I beg your pardon they never promised any one a rose garden. It is better than Pakistan no doubt. I know exactly what I'm talking about. Each time I travel to USA as an American. They always check me inside side out. My name is khan and i am not a terrorist. Distant drums sound sweet.
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Apr 08, 2014 08:10pm
Baby Musa should admit himself in the same Army Hospital where Musharaf is hiding.
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Apr 08, 2014 08:11pm
what will happend some if charges on nawaz shreef son, musharraf son all hypocrite polititians son. even on Cheif justice of pakisan son.
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Apr 08, 2014 08:19pm
Pakistani court really rocks!!! Initially I thought this was some funny story. Not only charging the infant with a crime is funny but also letting it go on bail is something hilarious. Can't believe any Judicial system will make it happen. We are not that bad in India. Our only problem is, if I file a case in court, my great great grandson will get the first hearing in court when he turns 90. First of all, is it not a crime to get an infant's fingerprint? I don't know if I am missing something here or it's a common thing in Pakistan. Look at the baby's face....how pathetic our judicial systems are. No wonder why people long to leave the country and go elsewhere. There is absolutely no quality of life here.
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Apr 08, 2014 08:23pm
@Khawar T khyam:
Pakistan stands shamed with events like this happening. Those responsible, includingSHO should be sacked and sent to prison, otherwise nothing will ever improve
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Apr 08, 2014 09:01pm
@Khalid_NJ:
Pakistan is a faulty mother board no matter how many upgrades and updates you make.
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Apr 08, 2014 09:06pm
Corruption in Police on one side, these judges even don't have common sense.
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Apr 08, 2014 09:57pm
Is there any age limit in law. If not than any one can be charge and go through process.
Don't you heard Justice is blind . Common sense has nothing to do with any law. Even in US or western countries if some one charge the 9 month with crime the institution has to go through same process.
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Apr 08, 2014 09:58pm
They would not register a case against TTPs, but would register against an infant. Shame on them, cowards
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Apr 08, 2014 10:23pm
I live in Canada and this news is making headlines everywhere including Radio.
Pakistan is a laughing stock and I am so ashamed to call myself a Pakistani. Shame.
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Apr 08, 2014 10:32pm
Bravo Punjab Police keep up the good work. You can go step further by registering a case against unborn child or better for a child who is not conceived yet by her mother.
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Apr 08, 2014 10:46pm
@Zaki Ahmed:
But do not forget Pakistan, you left behind. When you look at those Bundle of Rights, which were Bestowed, on you, when you became U.S. Citizen, always remember those you left in Pakistan, or at least glance at Dawn, in this age of internet. .
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Apr 08, 2014 11:04pm
" Musa's whole family beaten him up and ***injured his head***." That's the reason the infant was charged. Not sure why the judge did not squash the charge sheet at the first place and asked the cops to resubmit the charge sheet that made some sense.
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Apr 08, 2014 11:31pm
I dissociated myself from my beloved Pakistan 30 years ago. It was the time when Amir-ul-Momneen Hazrat Zia-ul-Haq was at the helm. I sensed that there was something wrong and more was on its way. For many years in the foreign lands I had strong feelings to come back to bosom of my fatherland but every time I found it was slipping in the abyss deeper. I am now thoroughly satisfied with my decision. May God help this poor country and its helpless but naive people.
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Apr 08, 2014 11:35pm
It seems that Pakistan is going from Bad to worse, everyday while reading "DAWN" newspaper my blood pressure becomes high and now eventually I have given up hope that it would ever going to change. I feel Sorry for the next generation that they have got nothing to look forward except having corrupt Police, Justice and Politicians. Whatever his happening in Pakistan is just beyond imagination and I do not understand that why everyone is Blind, Dumb and Deaf. People living in Pakistan please don't be selfish and think about others, you might be the next target of this corrupt system.
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Apr 08, 2014 11:46pm
@Syed:
then don't call yourself a Pakistani. If you were that patriotic, you would be here. Not in a foreign country.
I pity those who adore Pakistan so much that they prefer to live outside their homeland.
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Apr 09, 2014 12:13am
Congratulations Khaden (Nadem) e Alla and Rana Sanuallah your efforts of last so many years especially of past 6 years helped make Pakistan to Guinness Book of World Record. Not sure if any one can even break this.
With due respect to many great souls in the society but I am truly ashamed to be part of such an unjust society.
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Apr 09, 2014 12:49am
This is simply nonsense.
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Apr 09, 2014 02:05am
To think that this judiciary is hero to some. If our erstwhile Chief Justice had spent a fraction of his time and energy on the boring job of improving judiciary rather than his grandstanding heroics, some good could have come out of it. But alas!
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Apr 09, 2014 02:53am
Drama by the family to cover up the case. Its a silly mistake by the police. A simple request to the court can have the infant's name removed.
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Apr 09, 2014 03:13am
"The provincial law minister, Rana Sanaullah Khan, told Reuters that the provincial chief minister had ordered an investigation into the charges against Musa. One policeman had been suspended, he said."
Rana Sanaullah is part of the problem. What notice, what investigation and what justice?
Stop Bullshitting Mr. Rana and Mr. Chief Minister. We know what will happen next. Suspension, Transfer and another happy day for the police, the judge, Sanaullah and the Chief Minister. Nothing will happen. People will keep suffering.
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Apr 09, 2014 03:14am
@Zaki Ahmed:
Then why you are here? Dawn is totally Pakistani.
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Apr 09, 2014 03:32am
@aamir:
well said
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Apr 09, 2014 03:37am
Under section 6 of the Pakistan Penal Code, nothing is an offence which is done by a child under seven years of age. I simply do not understand the rationale behind admitting the infant to bail by the Additional Sessions Judge, in this case.
The case itself, in the first instance, should have been quashed...!
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Apr 09, 2014 05:49am
@jaan marri:
The Nation is going hand in hand with Taliban, wake up Pakistan wake up, after the peace talk every Pakistani will be charged and finger print for not abiding with Taliban
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Apr 09, 2014 06:35am
Let us suppose or presume for a while that the nine month child committed the alleged crime, does not this mean that even an innocent child or an infant by nature hates Pakistani Police? I wish this miracle should have happened in reality proving beyond a reasonable doubt that Pakistani Police carries natures wrath upon them.
Believe me, it is a gospel truth that Pakistani Police is worst than the Crime itself and or Criminals themselves. In fact "Bhatta" culture had been introduced by none other than the "Loyal" (Part of "P O L I C E") Force.
The question arises, what is the difference between a Politician and a Policeman; of course besides the uniform?
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Apr 09, 2014 10:48am
WHAT! WHAT! WHAT!. I simply do not understand this mind-boggling news update.
Are you saying that Pakistani's have become so advanced that a 9 month baby can be an accomplice to a murder but yet needs complete assistance for eating food, bathing and other normal daily life activities.
Dear Judiciary;
After reading this, on behalf of the entire nation, I request you to kindly dissolve the police department. We do not need thick headed, dense and dim witted maniacs protecting the society.
Sincerely,
Pakistani (with a common sense)
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Apr 10, 2014 10:21am
@jaan marri:
no where fast...We have nowhere else to go... this is all we have.
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Apr 10, 2014 02:24pm
Pity we cannot buy brains...i would donate towards one.
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Apr 11, 2014 01:47am
If there was a category in "Guinness Book of World Records" for the most stupid law enforcement officer, the officer who charged this 9 months old would take the prize! The second and the third runner ups should be the officers who finger-printed him and the judge who heard his case. It must be comforting for the police officer who charged him in the first place to know that he has company - that there are others who are just as stupid as he is.
It surely has brought our country to shame, as I have read about it in almost every newspaper around the world. Pakistanis know how to become famous - in the right way or the wrong.
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Apr 11, 2014 09:23pm
@Venkat: there is something called doli incapax in our legal system as per which..nothing is an offence which is done by a child under seven years of age.
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