KARACHI, Aug 15: The administrative judge of the anti-terrorism courts ordered on Thursday the release of three workers of Harkatul Mujahideen Al-Aalmi in a case pertaining to attack on an American franchise fast-food outlet in Gulshan-i-Iqbal.

Justice Shabbir Ahmed of the Sindh High Court passed the order when the investigation officer submitted that no evidence was available against Mohammed Imran, Mohammed Hanif and Daniyal to link them with the incident of hurling an explosive device at KFC’s Gulshan-i-Iqbal outlet.

The three accused, who are respectively Ameer, naib Ameer and finance secretary of the little known so-called terrorist organization, were already indicted in various other cases, including the American Consulate explosion and abortive attempt to blow up President Musharraf’s motorcade in Karachi.

Justice Shabbir also sent investigating officer to prison for seven days for failing to file the challan against Shaikh Mohammed Ahmed alias Daniyal, linking him in the case of hurling a grenade on a police mobile of PS Supermarket, Liaquatabad.

Qazi Shahid of Supermarket police station (Liaquatabad town), IO in the case, was given last chance to file the challan, but he failed to comply with the court orders and sought further extension for procuring evidence against the co- accused.

Justice Ahmed held him guilty of contempt of court and sentenced him to seven days simple imprisonment under section 19 (2) of Anti-Terrorism Act (ATA 1997).

The convicted police officer was taken into custody and official of registrar, ATC, was directed by Justice Ahmad to prepare his remand papers for judicial custody. The court also directed the TPO Liaquatabad to appear in person before the court on Aug 17 with the charge-sheet in the case.

Justice Ahmad nevertheless admitted charge-sheet against accused Daniyal in three other cases registered at PS Darakhshan.