LAHORE: An anti-terrorism court on Monday dismissed bail petition of Mustafa Kanju, son of a former state minister Siddique Kanju and prime suspect in Zain murder case.

The court had reserved the verdict on the petition on Sept 23 after prosecution and defence sides concluded their arguments.

Kanju’s counsel had argued that neither the complainant nor two prosecution witnesses identified his client as suspect.

He said the case was registered on political grounds as prosecution had no direct evidence against his client.

The counsel prayed to the court to grant bail to Mustafa Kanju.

The prosecution opposed the bail petition and presented statements of the complainant recorded by the media.

A deputy prosecutor said the complainant had been accusing Mustafa Kanju of killing his nephew Zain since registration of the case. He alleged that the complainant retracted the allegation after receiving gratification from the accused party.

Mustafa Kanju and six others were indicted on charges of killing 16-year-old orphan Zain and injuring Hussain, 18, in Cavalry Ground area.

According to prosecution, Kanju was allegedly drunk when his car hit another car driven by a woman. It said Kanju got infuriated and opened fire. The woman had already fled the scene and Zain and Hussain, received bullets and later died.

Published in Dawn September 29th, 2015

On a mobile phone? Get the Dawn Mobile App: Apple Store | Google Play