Twelve suspects were sent to jail on Tuesday in the Sindhi Culture Day riot case. A judicial magistrate ordered their judicial remand after a sessions court overturned an earlier extension in police custody. The case involves a rally on Sharea Faisal that turned violent on Dec 7. The police said the suspects violated a ban under Section 144. Lawyers argued the charges were weak and misapplied.
The suspects were first given one-day physical remand on Dec 8. The ATC judge had already removed terrorism charges from the case. Police then sought more time for investigation. They claimed the suspects ignored lawful restrictions during the Sindhi Culture Day riot. Lawyers said only Section 188 of the PPC applied and required higher approval.
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The magistrate initially extended the remand for three more days. However, defence lawyers challenged this decision before a sessions judge. The judge overturned the extension and sent the matter back for a fresh order. This forced the magistrate to hear both sides again. Lawyers continued pressing for discharge of the accused.
Police and prosecutors opposed the discharge request. They insisted that custodial remand was needed for proper investigation. After hearing arguments, the magistrate refused further police custody. He instead sent the suspects to prison on judicial remand. He also directed the investigating officer to complete the probe quickly.
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As the order was announced, lawyers raised slogans against the magistrate’s decision. They then filed post-arrest bail pleas before the sessions court. The case will now proceed under regular criminal law. Authorities said all actions relate to the Sindhi Culture Day riot and its legal consequences.