Blasphemy accused killed after release

Published January 8, 2015
This picture shows policemen making way for an ambulance. — AFP/File
This picture shows policemen making way for an ambulance. — AFP/File

TAXILA: A blasphemy accused freed a few days ago was shot dead here on Wednesday.

Police said it appeared to be a case of target killing.

The man, identified as 52-year-old Aabid Mehmood alias Aabid Kazzab, owned a hotel and lived in Kamra village. He reportedly had claimed ‘prophethood’ in October 2011 and a case was registered against him under Section 295-C of CrPC on a complaint lodged by his son-in-law Sadaqat Ali.

Also read: Policeman wounds British man jailed for blasphemy in Rawalpindi

Aabid was sent to jail after his mental condition had been examined by a board of doctors at the Rawalpindi District Headquarters Hospital. He was released from Adiyala jail after about two years because of his mental and physical condition.

On Tuesday, some masked men took him from his house in Ahatta area and his bullet-riddled body was found on Wednesday in deserted area near Usman Khattar Railway Station. He had been shot in the chest and head from a close range.

Police shifted the body to the Tehsil Headquarters Hospital in Taxila for autopsy.

Investigation officer Ayub told journalists that since Aabid had been jailed in a blasphemy case, police were investigating the murder from different angles, including target killing and personal dispute. He said that on a complaint of Ghulam Ibrar, a brother of the deceased, the scope of investigation had been widened.

When Aabid’s body was brought to the village, a group of enraged people gathered there and did not allow members of his family and other relatives to bury it in the local graveyard. He was later buried in the courtyard of his house.

Published in Dawn January 8th , 2014

On a mobile phone? Get the Dawn Mobile App: Apple Store | Google Play

Opinion

Editorial

Military option
Updated 21 Nov, 2024

Military option

While restoring peace is essential, addressing Balochistan’s socioeconomic deprivation is equally important.
HIV/AIDS disaster
21 Nov, 2024

HIV/AIDS disaster

A TORTUROUS sense of déjà vu is attached to the latest health fiasco at Multan’s Nishtar Hospital. The largest...
Dubious pardon
21 Nov, 2024

Dubious pardon

IT is disturbing how a crime as grave as custodial death has culminated in an out-of-court ‘settlement’. The...
Islamabad protest
Updated 20 Nov, 2024

Islamabad protest

As Nov 24 draws nearer, both the PTI and the Islamabad administration must remain wary and keep within the limits of reason and the law.
PIA uncertainty
20 Nov, 2024

PIA uncertainty

THE failed attempt to privatise the national flag carrier late last month has led to a fierce debate around the...
T20 disappointment
20 Nov, 2024

T20 disappointment

AFTER experiencing the historic high of the One-day International series triumph against Australia, Pakistan came...