Dasu attack case: Two accused awarded death sentence on 13 counts

HARIPUR: A special Anti-Terrorism Court (ATC) on Friday handed over death sentence on 13 counts to two accused in Dasu Hydro Power Project (DHPP) terror attack case on a bus carrying Chinese engineers.

The court also imposed Rs40 million fine on the two convicted terrorists, besides awarding them a total of around 800 years of imprisonment including life imprisonment. The sentences shall run concurrently and the benefits of Section 382–B CrPC have been extended in favour of the accused.

ATC Special Court Judge Sajjad Ahmed Jan delivered the verdict in a camp court established at Central Jail Haripur (CJH) after the completion of the case hearing where the two were found guilty and sentenced to 801 years imprisonment.

The ATC special court sentenced accused Muhammad Hussain, alias Syed Muhammad alias Zawan alias Mama, son of Abdul Rahim, age 49, resident of Sabin Burat, Tehsil Matta, Swat; and Muhammad Ayaz, alias Jan, 42, resident of Zurai Balu Jabril Tehsil, Matta Swat,

They were awarded each a 13-count death penalty and 801-year imprisonment. The court also imposed Rs40 million fine on the convicts.

The court ordered the hanging of each convict on 13 counts for the crime under section 302 PPC (on 13 counts) and Section 7(A) ATA. They were also imposed a Rs1.5 million fine per victim which will be received by the heirs of the deceased and ordered one year additional imprisonment in case of non-payment of the fine by the convicts.

The ATC special court also ordered under Section 324 PPC, 32-time 10-year imprisonment for an attempt to murder each convict, two-year imprisonment under Section 337 PPC, two-year imprisonment under Section 427 PPC, and a fine of one million, six months imprisonment under Terrorist Act, Section 11-F (2) ATA, 1996, six months imprisonment under 120/B PPC, life imprisonment under 3/4 EXP for use of explosives.

The other punishments that were awarded to both convicted were under section 21 (I) ATA 1997, sentenced to life imprisonment and six months in prison in 202 PPC. The court acquitted both the accused as the charge in Section 353 PPC and section 21-J ATA were not proved.

The court issued orders to release four other accused found not guilty. It ordered to release Shaukat Ali, Anwar Ali, and Fazal Hadi, residents of Matta Swat, while another accused who was already on bail was also acquitted.

On July 14, 2021, ten Chinese engineers and three Pakistanis workers were traveling to the Dasu Hydro Power Project construction site when their bus suddenly plunged into a deep ravine after an explosion on board.

The incident led to the death of at least 13 people, including Chinese engineers, two FC officers, and two labourers.

CTD Hazara Region Abbottabad registered against the Dasu incident and arrested the accused, who were later transferred to Abbottabad and Central Jail Haripur.

The trial of the accused was conducted by Special Anti-Terrorism Judge Sajjad Ahmad Jan by holding a camp court at Central Jail Haripur.

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