An anti-terrorism court (ATC) in Karachi on Saturday extended the physical remand of prime accused Armaghan by five days in the Mustafa Amir murder case.
The court also extended the remand of co-accused Shiraz Bukhari alias Shavez and directed a medical examination.
This development occurred after the police presented the accused in court following the expiry of their four-day physical remand.
Case Details
The case revolves around the alleged kidnapping and murder of BBA student Mustafa Amir, who went missing on January 6. The situation escalated when Armaghan opened fire at an Anti-Violent Crime Cell (AVCC) team during a raid at his residence in Karachi’s DHA earlier this month.
Police found the victim’s body inside a car near the Hub checkpost on January 12, and it was buried by the Edhi Foundation on January 16. However, under judicial orders, the body was exhumed on February 23 for DNA testing.
Expanded Investigation
The police have expanded their investigation by contacting the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) to determine the nature of the work at the call center discovered at Armaghan’s residence.
The FIA has also been tasked with probing financial transactions linked to the accused.
Additionally, the Special Investigation Unit (SIU) is looking into Armaghan’s involvement in the illegal drug trade.
Another AVCC team has been dispatched to Balochistan to gather information regarding the victim’s vehicle.
Courtroom Drama
During the proceedings, the investigation officer (IO) requested a 14-day physical remand to record Armaghan’s statement.
The IO also stated that forensic analysis needs to be conducted on the 64 laptops and weapons recovered from the suspect’s house.
During the hearing, Armaghan reportedly collapsed in the courtroom, prompting the prosecutor general to note that he had previously collapsed in the high court and ATC No. II, yet medical tests confirmed he was in good health.
Armaghan complained of mistreatment, claiming he was not being allowed to eat.
When asked if Tahir Rehman Tanoli, who submitted documents on behalf of Armaghan’s mother, was his lawyer, the suspect denied it, alleging he was tricked into signing the papers.
Asked if he wished to speak, Armaghan broke down in tears.
The IO informed the court that blood stains found on the carpet at Armaghan’s residence matched Mustafa’s mother’s DNA, and that Armaghan was an absconder in multiple cases registered at Boat Basin, Darakhshan, Clifton, and Sahil police stations.
The official further stated that Armaghan was operating an illegal call center and warehouse, and that police needed to investigate his accomplices and possible involvement in money laundering.
Defense of the Co-Accused
Advocate Khurram Abbas, representing Shiraz, claimed his client had no involvement in the case and that police had seized his laptop during the raid on Armaghan’s residence.
After concluding the hearing, the court extended the physical remand of both accused by five days.
