KARACHI - An anti-terrorism court sent suspended SSP Rao Anwar to jail till May 2 in the case of Naqeebullah Mehsud, who was killed in a fake encounter in the city a few weeks ago.

Anwar was produced in the court on Saturday after his physical remand ended. During the hearing, investigation officer SSP Central Dr Rizwan requested the court to give him time to submit the final charge sheet, as enquiry by the joint investigation team had not been completed yet.

Subsequently, the anti-terrorism court granted time to the investigation officer and adjourned the case till May 2. The court also sent to jail on judicial remand constable Shakeel, who was reportedly part of the team which killed Naqeebullah in the fake encounter.

Moreover, the court extended judicial remand of former DSP Qamar Ahmed and eight others.

After the hearing when a journalist asked the suspended SSP if Naqeebullah was a terrorist, Anwar said he would respond to the question after the final charge sheet is submitted in the court.

Strict security arrangements were made, while an additional contingent of police was deployed around the anti-terrorism court before the appearance of Anwar.

Naqeebullah’s family and members of Pashtun Qaumi Jirga also reached the court before the hearing started.  Cases have been filed against 24 accused in the murder case of Naqeebullah. Out of the count, 11 have been arrested while 13 others are absconding. Naqeebullah was killed in a fake encounter reportedly on January 13 in Karachi. Anwar declared Naqeebullah a terrorist after news of the fake encounter was aired on the television on January 18. A case on the incident was filed on January 19, while Anwar was suspended from duty the next day.

The Supreme Court ordered Anwar to appear on January 27, but the suspended SSP remained on the run for at least two months.

Anwar made a dramatic appearance and surrendered to the Supreme Court on March 21 after hiding from authorities for weeks after a case was registered against him and his team.