Man sentenced to death for killing citizen during robbery bid

A model court on Saturday sentenced a street criminal to death for killing a citizen during a robbery bid in 2018.

Shakoor Khan was found guilty of murdering Sajid for putting up resistence during a robbery bid outside his house within the Ittehad Town police station’s limits in September 2018.

Additional Sessions Judge Ameeruddin of the Model Criminal Trial Court (West) observed that the convict deliberately fired at the deceased from close range when the latter resisted theft of his mobile phone. "Given these circumstances, the death penalty is a fitting punishment as a necessary measure to deter such heinous crimes of murder during robberies and to ensure that justice is served," he stressed.

The judge ordered the convict to pay Rs300,000 as compensation to the legal heirs of the victim and in case of default, he would have to undergo a one-year simple imprisonment.

Additionally, the judge awarded five years of rigorous imprisonment to the convict for offence punishable under the Section 392 (robbery) of the Pakistan Penal Code and another 14 years for offence committed under the Section 397 (robbery or dacoity, with attempt to cause death or grievous hurt) of the Pakistan Penal Code.

The death penalty is subject to confirmation by the Sindh High Court.

In the detailed order, the judge wrote: "Karachi, once a thriving metropolis celebrated for its vibrant economy and rich cultural diversity, now grapples with a troubling surge in crime rates, particularly snatchings and robberies, often compounded by acts of murder. This surge, carefully contextualized within the city's current situation, not only undermines the sense of security for residents but also tarnishes Karachi's long-held reputation as a prosperous urban center.

While the city's historical vibrancy persists, it is increasingly overshadowed by growing apprehension of street crimes. Law enforcement authorities are demonstrably challenged in curbing this wave of criminal activity, leading to a decline in public trust. Stringent measures to deter crime are essential, with a focus on the swift and fair adjudication of robbery and snatching cases within the judicial system. The imposition of appropriate and timely penalties will serve as a powerful deterrent for potential offenders."

The judge observed that by imposing suitable penalties and ensuring justice, the courts could act as a significant deterrent, discouraging would-be offenders and contributing to the restoration of law and order in the city.

The court kept the case against absconding accused Shaukat on the dormant file till his arrest or surrender.

According to state prosecutor Muhammad Tahir Khan, on September 25, 2018, a man, ,Sajid was sitting outside his house with his friends Danish and Sheraz, and playing a game on his mobile phone when at around 10:45pm two men came on a motorcycle and attempted to rob him of his valuables. Upon resistance, they shot him in the chest and fled the scene, abandoning their motorcycle. The victim later succumbed to his injuries.

The prosecutor contended that Shakoor was riding the motorcycle while his absconding accomplice Shaukat tried to rob the victim's mobile phone, and when he resisted, Shakoor dismounted and fatally shot him. There was sufficient ocular as well as medical and forensic evidence to link the accused with the commission of the offence, the prosecutor said.

Shakoor, however, claimed innocence saying he had been falsely implicated in the case.