KARACHI: A sessions court sentenced a street criminal to a collective prison term of 14 years in a case pertaining to robbing a local hotel owner and his staff at gunpoint.

Additional District and Sessions Judge (East) Shahid Ali Memon, found Adnan guilty of snatching mobile phones, cash and other valuables from the complainant and his staff at gunpoint along with the absconding co-accused near Nasir Colony Sector 32-D in Korangi on Aug 25, 2023.

“In view of above stated position, circumstances and detailed discussion, the net result thereof is that the prosecution has brought cogent, sound and direct unshaken evidence against the accused and thereby case is proved against the accused beyond shadow of doubt,” the court observed.

Regarding the rising street crime in the metropolis, the judge noted: “Nowadays, the crime of robbery/dacoity is on the rise in Karachi, and the public at large does not feel secure at the hands of merciless muggers, as such in the larger interest of public, minor or slightest contradictions are hereby ignored. In this case, there is direct evidence against the accused followed by recovery of unlicensed weapon and the accused has not brought on record anything which could shatter the sound evidence of the prosecution.”

Adnan, along with his accomplices, looted a hotel in Korangi last year

The court has sentenced him on two counts — seven years each for committing robbery and possession of an illicit weapon.

It also imposed a fine of Rs20,000, on default, he would serve additional imprisonment.

According to state prosecutor Syed Khursheed Bukhari, the local hotel owner informed the police that on August 25, 2023, the accused along with two co-accused had committed robbery at his hotel and snatched mobile phones and cash from the hotel’s counter and the staff.

However, the accused, Adnan, was apprehended by the complainant, while the other co-accused managed to escape from the scene.

Later, the complainant lodged a case against Adnan and handed him over to the police. The police recovered an illegal pistol from his possession, for which he failed to produce a licence.

Two separate cases were registered at the Korangi Industrial Area police station under Section 397 (robbery or dacoity, with attempt to cause death or grievous hurt) of the Pakistan Penal Code and read with Section 23 (i) (a) of the Sindh Arms Act.

Published in Dawn, November 29th, 2024