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       SAHIWAL: Anti-Corruption Establishment (ACE) Special Judge Asif Bashir on Monday declared younger son of Bushra Bibi Ibrahim Manika an absconder and issued a non-bailable arrest warrant for Patwari Muhammad Ashraf over his constant absence in connection with a Rs113.2 million corruption case.

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       The corruption case was registered against Khawar Manika, former husband of Bushra Bibi, his two sons Mousa Manika and Ibrahim Manika, Excise Inspector Allah Nawaz Wattoo and Patwari Muhammad Ashraf by the Okara ACE.

       The court directed the ACE to arrest Patwari Muhammad Ashraf and present him in the court on next hearing (Jan 15, 2025).

       The judge had rejected Khawar Manika’s appeal for corruption case dismissal in November and ordered him and his two sons to appear personally before the court. Since then, both father and son have been regularly attending court hearings, while the third son, Ibrahim Manika, fled to Spain after securing bail from the Lahore High Court in August 2023. Ibrahim had been absent from court hearings since then, leading to his declaration as an absconder.

       Non-bailable warrant for patwari in Rs113.2m graft case issued

       The judge has now directed the ACE to seek Interpol’s assistance in bringing Ibrahim Manika back.

       Reports said the Okara ACE filed Rs113.2m corruption case on a report by the then deputy commissioner on Aug 11, 2023, under sections 409, 166 of Pakistan Penal Code and section 5/2-47 of PCA.

       It is alleged that Khawar Manika, his two sons along with the excise and revenue department officials had illegally converted a graveyard and state land in Hujra Shah Muqeem into commercial property, causing a loss of Rs113.2m to the national exchequer.

       Khawar Manika was arrested at Multan Airport upon his return from Dubai. Initially granted interim bail, later confirmed by the Lahore High Court, the bail was subsequently cancelled and the ACE judge levelled charges against the Manika family.

       ROBBERY: Four armed robbers looted an animal trader and shot a villager who intervened to save the trader near village 73/4-R, Yousafwala Road, on Sunday night. The injured villager, identified as Mahboob Shah, was shifted to Sahiwal Teaching Hospital in a critical condition.

       Reports said animal trader Muhammad Asif was returning home when he was intercepted by four armed robbers. The suspects snatched his motorcycle, Rs210,000 cash, a mobile phone and a sheep. Upon hearing the trader’s cries for help, a few villagers intervened and managed to capture one of the suspects Samar Kathiya. However, his three accomplices retaliated and fired at the villagers who came to the trader’s rescue. A bullet hit Mahboob Shah, causing him injuries. The four dacoits eventually managed their escape.

       Noor Shah police have registered a case against four dacoits Samar Kathiya, Faizan, and two unknown individuals, under sections 397 and 394 of PPC on Asif’s complaint.

       Published in Dawn, December 17th, 2024