Hyderabad Court Delivers Verdict in Tragic Murder of Celebrated Sindhi Poet
The Model Criminal Trial Court-I in Hyderabad, presided over by 1st Additional Sessions Judge Tasawar Rajput, has reached a decisive conclusion in a case that has gripped the Sindh community. On Tuesday, the court convicted Shah Lateef, also known as Vishal, for the brutal murder of his adopted father, Dr. Allah Bux alias Akash Ansari—a revered figure in Sindhi literature and social activism.
Details of the Case and Legal Proceedings
The verdict was announced in Sessions Court Case No. 295 of 2025, stemming from FIR No. 29/2025 registered at Police Station Bhitai Nagar. The charges included Sections 302 (murder), 201 (causing disappearance of evidence), 511 (attempt to commit offenses), and 436 (mischief by fire) of the Pakistan Penal Code, along with sections 6 and 7 of the Anti-Terrorism Act, 1997. Initially tried in the Anti-Terrorism Court, the case was later transferred to the Sessions Court after it was determined that the incident did not meet the legal criteria for terrorism.
Dr. Akash Ansari, born on December 25, 1956, in a village near Badin, was widely admired for his romantic Sindhi poetry and lifelong dedication to social causes. He had adopted Shah Lateef approximately 22 years ago, but their relationship deteriorated significantly after the accused developed a drug addiction. In 2024, Shah Lateef was booked for stealing a substantial amount of money from Dr. Akash, leading to increased tensions and threats against the poet.
The Fateful Night and Investigation
According to the prosecution, on the night of February 15, 2025, Shah Lateef allegedly stabbed Dr. Akash multiple times, resulting in his death. In a desperate attempt to conceal the crime, the accused set the body and parts of the crime scene on fire early the next morning. He then made a fake emergency call to Rescue 1122, falsely reporting a fire at the house. The rescue team extinguished the blaze and transported the body to Liaquat University Hospital, where initial examinations raised suspicions of foul play, leading to the registration of FIR No. 29/2025 on February 17, 2025.
During the trial, the prosecution presented a compelling case, examining 16 witnesses. Key testimonies came from the complainant Ibrahim (PW-1), medical officers (PW-8 and PW-16), and Investigation Officer Inspector Tahir Khanzada (PW-14). The prosecution successfully established motive, highlighted the recovery of the murder weapon and bloodstained clothes based on the accused's disclosure, and pointed to burn injuries on Shah Lateef's feet, which were consistent with his attempt to set the body on fire.
Defense Arguments and Court's Ruling
In his defense, Shah Lateef pleaded not guilty and denied all allegations in his statement under Section 342 of the Criminal Procedure Code. He produced his mother, Mst. Haleema, as a defense witness. The defense team argued that the case relied heavily on circumstantial evidence, alleged that the confession was coerced, and cited an unexplained delay in lodging the FIR. However, the prosecution maintained that the chain of evidence was complete and unbroken, effectively countering these claims.
After a thorough evaluation of all evidence, the court concluded that Dr. Akash Ansari's death was unnatural and that Shah Lateef was responsible for the murder on February 15, 2025, followed by an attempt to destroy evidence through fire. The conviction was delivered under section 265-H(2) of the Criminal Procedure Code, bringing a measure of closure to a case that has deeply affected literary circles and the wider Sindh community.
Community Reaction and Legacy
Following the judgment, a large number of supporters, including lawyers and literary figures, gathered outside the Model Criminal Trial Court premises to pay homage to Dr. Akash Ansari. In a poignant tribute, they sang his popular poem "Yar Jaldi Milo" ("Oh Beloved, Meet Soon"), celebrating his enduring legacy. On social media, many users hailed the day as "a day of deliverance," welcoming the court's decision as a significant step toward justice for the beloved poet.
This verdict marks a tragic end to the life of one of Sindh's most respected cultural icons, but it also underscores the judicial system's commitment to addressing heinous crimes, even when they involve personal betrayals within families.
