TikTok star murder suspect remanded in police custody for four days

ISLAMABAD: A local court on Monday remanded TikTok star Sana Yousuf murder suspect Umar Hayat in police custody for four days following completion of identification parade and directed the police to submit Hayat’s medical report.

Hayat was produced in the court of judicial magistrate Muhammad Hafeez, where the prosecutor said the suspect was identified by the mother and aunt of the victim and his remand was required for the recovery of mobile phone and vehicle used by Hayat.

Police sought Hayat’s seven-day remand, however, the court granted four-day custody and directed the police to produce the suspect on June 20. Hayat told the court that he had given the mobile to the police, adding he was not in contact with his family. He also requested for conducting his medical examination.

Meanwhile, Anti-Terrorism Court (ATC) No. 1, headed by judge Abul Hasnat Zulqarnain, issued arrest warrants for the accused who did not show up despite being summoned in the cases lodged in connection with the October 4 and November 26 protests by the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI).

The judge summoned the accused who appeared in the court and issued arrest warrants for the absenting ones. Later, the court adjourned the hearing of cases registered by Bani Gala and Secretariat police stations till July 14, Noon police station cases till July 2, and Margalla police station cases till July 16. These cases have been registered against PTI workers under terrorism clauses. Separately, judge Tahir Abbas Supra of ATC No. 2 adjourned the hearing of Judicial Complex attack case lodged against PTI founder Imran Khan and others due to lack of response to the letter written for the jail trial of the case.

The judge said he will again write a letter regarding the jail trial, ensuring presence of the PTI founder or through online proceedings. Subsequently, the court adjourned the hearing of the cases lodged by CTD, Golra and Bara Kahu police stations till July 21.

In the Faizabad protest case, judge Tahir Abbas Supra directed all the accused to submit power of attorney at the next hearing and indicated that the hearing of the case will be conducted on a daily basis from July 1.