Abbottabad doctor's friend, husband claim innocence, one suspect confesses to murder

Three accused, Rida Jadoon, her husband Waheed, also known as Billa, and Nadeem, have denied their alleged involvement in the abduction and murder of Dr Warda Mushtaq.

However, another accused, Pervez, confessed to the crime during the court proceedings.

The development came a day after the main suspect, Shamrez, was killed in what police described as an encounter.

All four accused were presented before the judicial magistrate after completing their physical remand, in line with orders issued by the Anti-Terrorist Court (ATC).

During the hearing, Rida Jadoon and Waheed Billa rejected the allegations against them, while Nadeem also claimed innocence and denied any role in the crime.

On the other hand, Pervez recorded a confessional statement before the magistrate, which is expected to be part of the prosecution record.

After hearing submissions, the Special ATC declined the police request for an extension of physical remand and ordered that the accused be sent to jail on judicial remand.

The court proceedings followed a major development late Sunday night, when Shamrez, who was described as the prime suspect, was killed during an alleged police encounter.

Police said the incident took place in the Maira Rahmat Khan area near Thandiani, within the limits of Nawanshehr police station, during an operation carried out by teams from the Cantonment and Nawanshehr police stations.

According to police, Shamrez’s accomplices opened fire during the operation. He was allegedly struck by bullets fired by his own associates and died at the scene, while two other suspects managed to escape in the darkness.