Zubair Qureshi
An Islamabad district and sessions court on Monday extended for three days the physical remand of the main suspect Shahnawaz in the Sarah Inam murder case while his father Ayaz Amir’s physical remand was extended for one day.
Shahnawaz was arrested last week for allegedly killing his Canadian national wife at his farmhouse located in Shahzad Town where the suspect lived along with his mother.
A day later Ayaz Amir was also arrested for his alleged involvement in the murder of his daughter-in-law.
Both Shahnawaz and Ayaz were produced in the court of Civil Judge Muhammad Amir Aziz after their remands expired on Sunday.
During the hearing, the police requested extension in the remands of the suspects for seven days.
We are yet to seize their passports and bank accounts,” the investigating officer (IO) said. The judge inquired about Ayaz’s role in the case.
“He has been nominated by the victim’s uncle and aunt,” the IO replied, elaborating that the journalist belonged to Chakwal and was the main suspect’s father.
The judge also asked about the whereabouts of the victim’s parents to which the IO said that they were in Canada and would reach Pakistan by Tuesday (today).
During the hearing, Ayaz said that he would “fight the case” himself. “We are traumatized. I informed the police about the incident myself. “I was in Chakwal when the crime took place and informed the Inspector General (IG) myself,” the journalist said, adding that in the absence of the IG, the senior superintendent was informed.
I informed the police about the location of the farmhouse, he said. “But the police only gave their stance in the FIR. They never mentioned me in the complaint. “The police are saying Sarah’s uncle recorded a statement. If you have accused me, present the evidence,” he contended, claiming that in such incidents, the crime scene was “often tampered” with.
Meanwhile, Shahnawaz’ mother Samina Shah was granted pre-arrest bail in the case by a judge of the trial court.
In the pre-arrest bail petition, Samina has said that her name was put on the case on the demand of Sarah Inam’s uncle and aunt.
She appeared before the sessions court and the judge granted her bail for three days on submitting surety bonds of Rs50,000.
The judge said during the proceedings that the police case has suggested Samina Shah as informing the police about the murder, and questioned why the police wanted to arrest her.
