Pramesh S Jain
Wilson garden Police have arrested seven accused in connection with the murder of a mechanic in the Wilson Garden Police Station limits,ruling out any “hafta” (protection money) angle in the case so far.
The arrested have been identified as Parvez,Afridi, Sameer,Shabbir,Sadiq,Munawar and another associate. Police said questioning of nearby shopkeepers revealed that no one in the area paid protection money.
According to the investigation,the victim Rasheed had allegedly not obtained permission to construct a mould in front of his garage,and such approvals are not granted by the Waqf authorities.Police said the accused and the victim also shared prior enmity.
On March 15 evening, the accused confronted Rasheed over the issue, leading to a heated argument that escalated into a violent clash.The accused allegedly assaulted him with a bat and sticks,causing fatal injuries.
Rasheed was rushed to a hospital but was declared dead.
In his complaint,the victim’s elder brother Nadeem Pasha alleged that the accused had earlier demanded money to allow the construction,though police said no evidence of extortion has emerged during inquiry.
My brother had even raised the extortion bid with the local masjid committee.However the accused continue to harass him objecting to his construction in front of the shop,he had rented .
The Police have launched a search for other suspects and further investigation to ascertain the motive behind the murder.
