SHC admits appeal of defendant facing death sentence in artist Afreen Baig murder case

KARACHI (PPI): Sindh High Court Tuesday admitted for hearing appeal of defendant awarded death sentence in TV producer, artist Afreen Baig's murder case of October 2004. Farooq Mengal, husband of Afreen Baig, her driver Mohammad Bux and his wife Zahida were prosecuted with killing TV artist in her house in DHA, Karachi, on Oct 14, 2004. Additional Sessions Judge, South, Karachi, Abdul Razzaq, who conducted trial inside Central Prison, convicted Muhammad Bux as found guilty of committing offence on July 22, 2009. He was awarded death sentence in addition to fine Rs 100,000 to be paid by him to legal heirs of deceased Afreen Baig & serve six months RI on default subject to confirmation of sentences by SHC. He was also awarded seven years RI US 392, 397 PPC, fine Rs 10,000 and undergo additional six months RI on default. Deceased's husband Farooq Mengal was acquitted due to want of evidence. Advocates Shahid Nazir Khan and Syed Salahuddin filed appeal on behalf of defendant Muhammad Bux in SHC, submitting impugned judgement passed by trial court was contrary to evidence, facts available on record & against principal of laws. No legal recovery was affected from appellant, who on many occasions was found in illegal detention. No single eyewitness to crime was available. Prosecution itself proved ATM bank accounts of deceased were used by many people even on eventful day, but there was no basis of their use by appellant. Challan not remotely connected to appellant. Counsels prayed to set aside impugned judgement or amend it and release him. SHC division bench said in order: "Appeal is accordingly admitted to regular hearing. Let paper book be prepared. Notice be issued to Prosecutor General Sindh. It is further revealed through judgement that other co-accused, Farooq Mengal, has been acquitted and in case appeal against acquittal judgement is filed, same may also be placed alongwith this appeal."