DADU: The accused nominated in the murder case of Dadu based journalist Azim Leghari confessed to the killing on Monday to seek an out of court settlement.

The accused were fined Rs l million to be paid to the parents of the newsman.

The decision was announced with an understanding by Zafar Ali Jatoi, brother of former Sindh chief minister Liaquat Ali Jatoi, at a meeting held in Betto Jatoi village, Mehar taluka.

Azim Leghari was shot along with two relatives Mashooq’ and AM Hassan leghariin Dadu on Aug 11, 2008.

Nusrat, Hakim, Khan Leghari, Latifullah, Manzoor and Khadim were nominated in an FIR registered at the Dadu town police station. Mir Leghari and Yousif Leghari represented the accused and Azeem Leghari’s father Shafi Mohammad Leghari, brother Lal Mohammad Leghari, chairman of Journalist Foundation, Dadu-Jamshoro, Ghous Bux Jhatial and Dadu Press Club president Nizam Shaikh represented the aggrieved party.

Shafi Mohanimad told the meeting that his son was collecting information in a restaurant in Dadu when he was killed by Nusrat, Hakim Khan Leghari, Latifullah, Manzoor and Khadim. He said that after killing his son, the accused shot dead Mashooq and AM Hassan Leghari and injured two passersby.

Ghous Bux Jhatial said that Azim Leghari was shot dead when he was performing his duty.

Mir Leghari accepted that Azim Leghari was shot dead by the accused. He said the accused had gone to the houses of the deceased Azim Leghari to receive pardon. All the accused were present in the meeting and were forgiven by the father of Azim Leghari.

After listening to witnesses from the two parties, Zafar Jatoi announced that the accused would pay Rsl million to the parents of Azim Leghari.

They paid Rsl00,000 on the spot to the father of the deceased and promised to pay
Rs700,000 on Feb 25, and Rs200,000 when the murder case would be withdrawn.
Source: Dawn
Date:2/9/2010