Sindh High Court Tuesday reserved judgement on the appeal of four men against their conviction in kidnapping for ransom case.
Dr Khalid Moin, former deputy medical superintendent of Abbasi Shaheed Hospital Karachi, Salim Khan Tanoli, former protocol officer at then Chief Minister's House, Salimuddin and Muhammad Altaf Hussain, were sentenced to life prison by Anti Terrorism Court in Karachi having found them guilty of kidnapping a businessman Rafiq Memon for ransom on July 25, 2002. The court also ordered attachment of their properties.
Fifth accused Mohammad Salim Memon was acquitted by the trial court giving him benefit of doubt. According to the prosecution, the accused kidnapped Rafiq Memon and his brother Ilyas in the jurisdiction of Jamshed Quarters on January 17, 2000 near Dada Bhoy Chowrangi when they were on their way to office.
They released Rafiq's brother Ilyas for arranging the ransom amount and later set Rafiq Memon free while giving threat to arrange a ransom of Rs1.5 million.
Their appeal against conviction and state appeal against acquittal of the respondent were heard by the SHC's division bench comprising Justice Mohammad Afzal Soomro and Justice Rehmat Hussain Jaffery.
The court after hearing the arguments of appellants counsels and state counsels reserved the judgement. Meanwhile, the same bench granted bail to Waqar Ahmed in drug smuggling case.
The accused was arrested by Custom authorities in connection of his alleged involvement in smuggling of 9-kg heroin abroad in garb of pants/jeans consignment.
His counsel M.M Tariq contended that applicant was falsely implicated in the case and his name was not put into the interim charge sheet. He said co-accused in same case was also released on bail on identical grounds. The court after hearing the case ordered to release applicant on bail subject to furnish surety in sum of Rs 1 million.