Key Takeaways
- Sindh High Court (SHC) has acquitted Anees Khaskheli of charges related to the 2017 suicide of Naila Rind.
- The anti-terrorism court had sentenced him to life imprisonment three years ago.
- The SHC found that no evidence was proven beyond a reasonable doubt.
The Sindh High Court (SHC) has acquitted Anees Khaskheli of charges related to the suicide of Naila Rind, a final-year student at Sindh University in Jamshoro. The body of Ms Rind was found hanging from her hostel room ceiling fan on January 1, 2017.
Khaskheli, a private school teacher, was arrested based on data retrieved from Ms Rind’s mobile phone, which showed frequent communication between them. In January 2023, an anti-terrorism court (ATC) sentenced him to life imprisonment under Section 7-A of the Anti-Terrorism Act and Sections 321, 21(b), and (c) of the Pakistan Penal Code and Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act respectively.
Khaskheli challenged his conviction before the SHC. On April 18, a two-member bench comprising Justices Omar Sial and Mohammad Abdur Rahman heard the case and issued a written verdict on Monday. The court noted that an offence under the Anti-Terrorism Act had not been proven, as there was no evidence of dissemination or public display of photos or blackmail.
The SHC further stated that no “unlawful act” by Khaskheli was proven, and that the prosecution failed to prove its case beyond a reasonable doubt. The court emphasized that trial courts must give reasons for admitting secondary evidence, which was not done in this case.
Advocates Waqar Siyal, Zeeshan, and Muhammad Faheem represented Anees Khaskheli, while Additional Prosecutor General Nazar Memon argued on behalf of the complainant, Naila’s brother Nisar Ahmed. Nisar Ahmed did not wish to engage a private counsel.
The case highlights the complexities involved in such sensitive matters and underscores the importance of thorough investigation and evidence-based judgments. The acquittal has brought closure for Khaskheli but may leave questions about the circumstances surrounding Ms Rind’s tragic death.
This verdict is significant as it sets a precedent for similar cases, emphasizing the necessity of robust legal processes to ensure justice is served.
