Karachi: On Saturday, an Anti-Terrorism Court (ATC) extended the physical remand of the main suspect, Armaghan, for five more days in the Mustafa Aamir murder case.
The court also extended the remand of co-accused Shiraz Bukhari alias Shavez and ordered his medical examination.
Case Background and Arrests
- The suspects were presented in court after their four-day physical remand expired.
- The case involves the alleged kidnapping and murder of Mustafa Aamir, a BBA student, who went missing on January 6.
- The case gained attention when Armaghan opened fire at the Anti-Violent Crime Cell (AVCC) police team during a raid at his residence in Karachi’s Defence area.
Recovery of Victim’s Body and DNA Testing
- Mustafa’s body was discovered on January 12 near Hub Checkpost in a vehicle and was later buried by the Edhi Foundation on January 16.
- A three-member medical board, under judicial supervision, exhumed the body on Friday for forensic analysis.
- The body has been handed back to Edhi Foundation and will remain in the cold storage until DNA results confirm the identity.
- According to the court’s letter to the rescue authorities, if the DNA test does not match Mustafa’s family, the body will be buried in an unclaimed graveyard.
Investigation Expands
- The AVCC has sought assistance from the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) to probe the nature of a call center discovered at Armaghan’s residence.
- The FIA has also been directed to investigate the financial transactions of the suspects.
- The Special Investigation Unit (SIU) of police has been assigned to examine Armaghan’s possible involvement in illegal drug trade.
- Additionally, an AVCC team has been dispatched to Balochistan to collect further details about the victim’s vehicle.
Suspect’s Court Appearance and Claims
- The investigation officer (IO) requested a 14-day physical remand for Armaghan, stating that the weapons and 64 laptops recovered from his house require forensic examination.
- During the hearing, Armaghan allegedly fainted in court. However, the Prosecutor General noted that he had similarly collapsed in the High Court and ATC No. II, but medical reports declared him completely healthy.
- Armaghan complained of being denied food and water in custody.
- When the court asked if Tahir Rehman Tanoli, who submitted documents on behalf of Armaghan’s mother, was his lawyer, the accused denied it, claiming he had been deceived into signing the papers.
- When given a chance to speak, Armaghan broke down in tears.
Forensic Evidence Against the Accused
- Bloodstains found on the carpet at Armaghan’s house matched Mustafa’s mother’s DNA, the investigation officer told the court.
- The officer further revealed that Armaghan was wanted in multiple cases, registered at Boat Basin, Darakhshan, Clifton, and Sahil police stations.
- Investigators discovered that Armaghan was running an illegal call center and warehouse, and police need to probe further to identify his accomplices and potential money laundering activities.
