An Anti Terrorism court on Monday sent PML-N MNA Anjum Aqeel, accused in Rs6 billion National Police Foundation (NPF) land scam, to Adiala Jail on 14 day judicial remand by turning down police plea for a seven day physical remand of the legislator in the escaping from police custody case. Shalimar Police presented Anjum Aqeel Khan and a co-accused Mithu Khan in Anti-Terrorism Court-I (ATC) Rawalpindi under tight security.
During the course of hearing, the prosecution pleaded for a 7-day physical remand of the accused. The ATC-I judge, Muhammad Akram Awan, asked the prosecutors as to what they want to recover from the accused.
As there was no mention of any reason for physical remand in the remand paper presented before the court, the judge turned down the request. The court directed the police to ensure complete medical check up of the legislator at Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) and present the report in the court.
The court adjourned the hearing till July 31. After hearing in ATC Anjum Aqeel was shifted to PIMS for medical examination where doctors termed his condition as satisfactory and he was shifted to Adiala Jail.
On the instructions of the court, a medical board consisting of Medical Specialist Pims, Dr Jamal Zafar, Cardiologist Dr Faridullah, Dr Asad and Dr Shafiq was constituted for thorough medical check up of the legislator. The medical board would decide about the treatment of the MNA, as his counsel said that he was suffering from heart ailment.
A large number of supporters of Anjum Aqeel and PML-N workers were present outside the court when Anjum was presented in the ATC.
Talking to media outside the courtroom, Anjum Aqeel said that he was being blackmailed and politically victimised. "I will come clean after passing the litmus test of court hearing," he said.
He said that the constituency of Islamabad was very important and opponents were eager to get PML-N MNA unseated. "But it will remain a dream of the opponents and they will not succeed in their nefarious designs," he said.
He said that whenever he was asked by party high command to leave the seat, he would do the same.
Aqeel was arrested by Shalimar Police on Friday, but his supporters attacked the Shalimar Police Station and took away the MNA from police custody.
But on Sunday Anjum Aqeel surrendered to police and was sent on one day transit remand by a magistrate, with the direction to present him in ATC on Monday.
APP adds: Federal Investigating Agency (FIA) will investigate a plot-fraud case in which Pakistan Muslim League (PML-N) parliamentarian Anjum Aqeel and his brother had been nominated, police sources said.
According to the FIR filed with Shalimar Police Station by Shabahat Ali, resident of I-8 sector, who alleged that MNA Anjum Aqeel and his brother were involved in a plot deal with him. The sale deed of the plot was prepared and singed in the presence of former Additional Deputy Commissioner Rana Akbar Hayat.
Shabahat Ali also alleged in the FIR that he had paid an amount of Rs 950,000 for the purchase of plot to Anjum Aqeel who later refused transfer and possession of the plot despite taking the agreed money.