A suspect in the murder of a young man in Karachi’s Steel Town has confessed to the killing, saying he acted over an inappropriate video of a girl found on the victim’s mobile phone, according to his statement to police during interrogation.
The body of Zainul Abideen, who had been abducted after returning from Saudi Arabia to meet his parents, was recovered from Steel Town on Friday, police said. Two suspects have been arrested, and the body was found on their identification.
Suspect alleges dispute over a video on the victim’s phone
In his statement, the suspect told investigators that a dispute arose between him and the deceased because the victim carried a video of a woman on his phone. He also said that he and a friend planned the murder to take revenge on him.
Police said the suspect had earlier confessed during interrogation. They identified the victim’s cousin, Faisal, and his friend as being involved in the killing, and said Faisal also confessed.
Abduction, ransom demand and recovered remains
According to the victim’s father, Zainul Abideen left home on a motorcycle on October 14 and did not return. After searching without success, the father registered a kidnapping case at the Steel Town police station. He said his son had worked as a tailor in Saudi Arabia.
The family later received a call from the kidnappers, who demanded Rs700,000 in ransom. The father said the money was taken to the location the kidnappers specified, but no one was there. He also said the suspects left his son’s slippers and mobile phone outside the house and threatened to kill him.
Police said officers visited the location identified by the kidnappers during the initial investigation and recovered a severed hand. It was sent for DNA testing. Police said the suspects placed the body in a sack and dumped it at a deserted location, with a piece of yellow cloth tied around the sack.
Investigation continues after two arrests
Police said the victim’s body was recovered following the arrest of the two suspects. Investigators are also examining the case on technical grounds, and the investigation is continuing.
