Web Desk: The murder trial of TikToker Sana Yousaf entered its final stage on Monday after the accused, Umar Hayat, denied all charges before a district and sessions court in Islamabad.
Additional Sessions Judge Afzal Majoka recorded the accused’s statement under Section 342 during the hearing.
At the outset, the accused refused to answer questions without his lawyer present. However, the court clarified that the statement procedure takes place directly between the judge and the accused.
During the hearing, the judge questioned Umar Hayat about allegations related to the killing, mobile phone theft, a rented vehicle, location tracking, identification parade and an alleged confession. In response, the accused rejected all allegations and described the case as “false” and “planted.”
The accused also denied confessing to the killing or making any disclosure statement. Furthermore, he told the court that he had no contact with Sana Yousaf.
The judge referred to a phone number saved under the name “Kaka” in the victim’s mobile phone during the investigation. According to the court, forensic analysis later linked the number to the accused. However, Umar Hayat declined to comment on the matter without legal counsel.
The court also asked whether he had gone to Sana Yousaf’s house, shot her twice in the chest, taken her mobile phone and fled the scene. The accused denied the allegations and claimed police arrested him on suspicion alone.
In addition, Umar Hayat alleged that investigators tortured him and forced him to place thumb impressions on blank papers. He further claimed authorities implicated him in the case under social media pressure.
Meanwhile, tense exchanges took place in the courtroom after video recording allegedly occurred during proceedings, leading to a verbal dispute between the judge and defense counsel.
After recording the statement, the court adjourned the hearing until Tuesday. Legal observers expect the court could reserve its verdict during the next hearing.
Police said Sana Yousaf was shot dead at her residence in Islamabad in June last year. Investigators later arrested Umar Hayat, also known as “Kaka,” from Faisalabad after he allegedly fled the capital following the incident.
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