KARACHI, Jan 3: A suspected robber escaped from police custody on the premises of the city courts on Monday.

The PIB police produced Behram, Raheem Gul, Sher Zaman and Khan, who had been arrested for stealing electric wires, before a judicial magistrate (east) for an extension in their physical remand. The magistrate allowed the police request and extended their remand for two more days.

Following their appearance in court, the investigation officer along with other policemen was bringing the suspects back to a van parked near thelock-up of the city courts when Khan and Behram managed to unlock their handcuffs and tried to run away.

The police arrested Behram but suspect Khan escaped.

According to the prosecution, the police arrested the suspects on Dec 29, 2010 when they were stealing electric wires near a sub-station of the KESC within the remit of the PIB police station. The police also recovered copper wires, TT pistols and a wire cutter from their possession.

A case (FIR 404/10) was registered against the suspects under Sections 395 (punishment for dacoity), 511 (punishment for attempting to commit offence punishable with imprisonment for life or a shorter term) and 34 (common intention) of the Pakistan Penal Code.

It said that the suspects were also involved in a number of robbery cases and their ringleader, Wahab, had already been arrested by the Jacksonpolice.

Meanwhile, the city courts police station registered a case (FIR 02/2011) under Sections 224 (resistance or obstruction by a person to his lawful apprehension) and 225-A (omission to apprehend or sufferance of escape) of the PPC against the escapee and Constable Sajid, who was escorting the suspect.

‘Wife killer’ escapesAnother suspect, who had been booked in a case pertaining to the murder of his own wife, managed to escape from the city courts following the dismissal of his pre-arrest bail.

Masroor Jaffri had filed his pre-arrest bail application in the sessions court. On a previous hearing, the court granted him interim bail and directed him to appear on Jan 3 for its confirmation.

On Monday, Additional District and Sessions Judge (east) Chaudhry Waseem Iqbal dismissed the plea after hearing arguments from both sides.

As soon as the court pronounced its order, the suspect made an easy escape in the absence of the investigation officer of the case.

According to the prosecution, on Oct 1, 2010 the suspect allegedly burnt his wife, Farhana, within the remit of the New Town police station. The police recorded her statement under Section 154 of the criminal procedure code at a hospital before her death in which she stated that herhusband ran a musical band. He called her to his office, poured kerosene over her and set her ablaze, it added.

A case (FIR 487/10) was registered against the suspect under Section 324 (attempted murder) of the PPC. The police also incorporated Section 302 (premeditated murder) of the PPC in the FIR following her death.