20000302

Four more testify in serial killing case

Recorder Report

LAHORE: The Additional District and Sessions Judge, Allah Baksh Ranjha, recorded the statements of four more prosecution witnesses in serial killings case and adjourned the proceedings till Thursday (today).

The prosecution witnesses, who recorded their statements, were Judicial Magistrate Mian Ghulam Hussain and three relatives of the victims, Inayyat Bibi, Nazir Ahmed and Bashir Khan.

The defending counsel cross examined the statements of two prosecution witnesses ASI Mohammad Sadique and a photographer Khalil Shahzad.

The Judge, while taking serious notice of the wrong statements of the prosecution witnesses, observed that 'all the cases begin with lie.' He said that there is only sentence that is repeated in all the FIRs registered in Punjab, that 'the official of the police station is on petrol'.

The Judicial Magistrate, during cross examination, admitted that he had recorded the statement of the accused without taking their oath. He, however, contended that all the accused in the case had recorded their statements voluntarily.

The accused again complained that the police were not providing him clothes and other necessary articles.

The judge directed the police to hand him over his travel cheques if the same were not withdrawn.