Five held in journalist`s murder case | Pakistan Press Foundation (PPF)

Pakistan Press Foundation

Five held in journalist`s murder case

KARACHI: Police claimed on Thursday to have arrested nearly half a dozen suspects for their alleged involvement in the killing of Wali Khan Babar, a Geo News reporter, who was gunned down in Liaquatabad in January.

Senior officials at the Central Police Office described the arrest of Faisal Mahmood alias Nafsiati, Syed Mohammad Ali Rizvi, Shahrukh alias Mani, Naveed alias Polka and Shakil alias Malik as a major achievement.

“But there are two or three more suspects, including the mastermind Faisal alias Mota, still at large,” said Capital City Police Officer Saud Mirza.

“The suspects were spotted during a random search of vehicles in Gulshan-i-Iqbal. Initial investigations indicate they killed Wali Khan Babar only for his professional contribution that included reporting against the land mafia and criminal elements.”

The city police chief said the suspects had first attempted to target Mr Babar a day before he was murdered. Next day, he added, they followed the journalist from his office and attacked him near Liaquatabad No 1.

Meanwhile, the brother of a police officer investigating several cases, including Babar`s murder, was gunned down in Gulshan-i-Iqbal on Thursday.

Officials said that armed men on a motorbike spotted 18-year-old Naveed Khan when he was going home and intercepted him near a locality close to the main road.

“The victim was hit by a single bullet to the head,” said Inspector Kanson Dean, the SHO of Gulshan-i-Iqbal Police Station.
Source: Dawn
Date:4/8/2011