KARACHI: The administrative judge of antiterrorism courts on Monday sent a suspect to prison in a case pertaining to the murder of a 10-year-old girl during a police encounter with suspected robbers.

Amal Umer, who was travelling along with her parents in their car, died after she was hit by a bullet fired by a policeman in the Defence area on the night of Aug 13 during an alleged shootout with the suspected street criminals.

After the end of his five-day physical remand, the investigating officer (IO) again produced the suspect, Khalid, before the court and the judge sent him to prison on judicial remand till Oct 5 with direction to the IO to attend the court along with the investigation report at the next hearing.

Police claimed to have arrested Khalid on Sept 24 in some other cases. During questioning, the suspect disclosed his involvement in the girl’s murder and also robbing of her parents and others, they added.

Earlier, a DIG had conceded that the victim was fatally shot in the firing by police constable Babar Shah­zad during a shootout with suspected robbers, but the policeman was not named as an accused in the case.

The main case was lodged under Sections 397 (robbery or dacoity with attempt to cause death or grievous hurt) and 34 of PPC read with Section 7 of ATA on the complaint of victim’s father at Defence police station.

The second case was lodged on the complaint of constable Babar Shahzad under Sections 324 (attempt to commit murder), 353 (assault or criminal force to deter public servant from discharge of his duty) and 34 of PPC.

Published in Dawn, October 2nd, 2018