Investigations into the murder of Nasrullah Gadani, who was killed in the Ghotki district earlier this year, are nearing the end, with a police officer in charge of the probe stating that a charge sheet will soon be submitted.
Unidentified individuals had gunned down Gadani as he rode into the town of Mirpur Mathelo in Ghotki. After his murder, suspicion immediately went to the local lawmaker, Pakistan Peoples Party's (PPP) newly-elected MNA Khalid Lund and his two sons, owing to the posts made by Gadani on his social media shortly before his assassination.
Deputy Superintendent of Police Sirajudin Lashari, who is investigating the murder, recently held a news conference in Ghotki district, where he claimed that they will soon submit the final investigation report to the concerned magistrate and the charge sheet.
After appearing in a local court where the case was heard, Lashari told local reporters that the lawmaker and his two sons could be let off the hook. He stated they found no evidence that the accused were present at the crime scene on the day of the incident.
"Khalid Lund and his two sons have provided evidence regarding their absence from the crime scene on the fateful day," Lashari stated, adding that this was not a conclusive statement since investigations were still underway.
When asked whether Lund had exerted any political pressure to veer the investigation, DSP Lashari denied being coerced or influenced. He said that he was not under any political pressure and had been dealing with all aspects of the case honestly. He further stated that all evidence related to the case had been preserved, including witness statements.
On the other hand, when PPP MNA Khalid Lund was asked during a recent media talk about the case, he became annoyed and repeatedly claimed that he and his sons were innocent. He further stated that the allegation was an attempt to politically victimise him.
Meanwhile, Gadani's mother, Ms Pathani, expressed her gratitude to the people of Sindh for their persistent support for her and her slain son.
Gadani, who worked for a Sindhi language newspaper, was shot and grievously wounded in an attack near his village in Ghotki district on May 21. He succumbed to his fatal injuries at a Karachi hospital on May 24. On June 9, the Ghotki police arrested one of the three main suspects in the case and recovered weapons, a motorcycle, and three mobile phones used in the crime. Following recommendations from the Sukkur range police board, the investigation into the murder of journalist Nasrullah Gadani was transferred from District Ghotki and handed over to DSP Lashari.