MIRPURKHAS, April 3: The second additional sessions judge of Mirpurkhas, Manthar Ali Jatoi, has sentenced four policemen of Satellite Town police, including an ASI, to 25 years imprisonment and fine of Rs50,000 each for killing a man in custody.

ASI Ghulam Shabbir Dasti, constables Arif, Anwar and Aslam, were awarded punishment on a direct complaint of Ali Ahmed Panhwar, whose son, Abu Bakar Panhwar, was killed in police custody in Satellite Town police station in 2005.

According to the verdict, if the convicts failed to pay the fine, they would have to undergo additional six months of imprisonment.

The convicts were arrested by the police on the court premises and were sent to district prison in Mirpurkhas.

Abu Bakar was caught from the Scheme No.2 in Satellite Town by a watchman when he was reportedly breaking the locks of a shop during night.

He was handed over to Satellite Town police where he was found dead in the lock-up.

A case under the Sections 322 and 34 of PPC was lodged with Satellite Town police on complaint of his father on 25 January, 2005. Inspector Rafique Siyal, sub-inspector Khamiso alias Dado, ASI Ghulam Shabbir Dasti, constables Arif, Anwar and Aslam were the accused.