Karachi court extends Pinky’s remand by four days in murder case

KARACHI: A judicial magistrate in Karachi’s South district on Monday extended the physical remand of Anmol alias Pinky, described in court proceedings as an alleged drug queenpin, by four days in a murder case registered at Baghdadi Police Station.

The order was passed during proceedings held at the Judicial Complex inside the jail premises. During the hearing, the investigation officer requested permission to have the complainant’s statement recorded under Section 164 of the Criminal Procedure Code. The court allowed the request and directed that the statement be recorded on May 21 in the presence of the accused’s lawyers.

The magistrate also instructed the investigation officer to complete the investigation and submit a progress report at the next hearing. According to the written order, the accused was exempted from appearing in person before the court because of security concerns.

Allegations made in courtroom

While speaking to journalists inside the courtroom, Pinky alleged that pressure was being applied on her to name politicians and people from the entertainment industry. She also claimed that she had been tortured and said the investigation officer had slapped her during questioning.

She alleged:

The IO threatened me and asked me to name a former prime minister and actors Muneeb Butt and Syra Yousuf.

The allegations were made by the accused during the hearing.

Security arrangements at judicial complex

Separate from the court proceedings, extensive security measures were put in place for Pinky’s appearance at the judicial complex in Karachi. According to police sources, a special security plan was issued for the hearing.

The security team comprised five officers, including a deputy superintendent of police, and was deployed under the supervision of the SP Investigation. Personnel from Mithadar, Chakiwara, Garden and Baghdadi police stations were also included in the security arrangements.

In addition, officers from Jamshed Town, New Town and PIB Colony police stations were assigned security duties. Jail authorities also reportedly placed the premises on red alert for the court appearance.

Journalists’ complaint

Journalists present to cover the proceedings alleged that they were forced out during the hearing. According to their account, they were first pushed out of the courtroom, then from the court premises, and later from the jail complex.

The latest order means the accused will remain in police custody for a further four days as the investigation in the Baghdadi Police Station murder case continues and the complainant’s statement is scheduled to be recorded later this week.