Sarabjit Singh's killer Amir Sarfaraz shot dead in Lahore
Amir Sarfaraz, who was convicted in the murder of Indian national Sarabjit Singh, was shot dead by 'unknown' individuals in Lahore on Sunday, according to India Today. Singh was arrested by Pakistani authorities in 1990 on charges of espionage, a claim that his family and Indian authorities fiercely deny. In 2013, the Punjab resident was attacked in Kot Lakhpat Jail with bricks, sharp metal sheets, iron rods, and blades. He died six days later in a Lahore hospital.
Timeline of trial
Singh's murder trial began in January 2014, and subsequently, the two alleged killers, Sarfaraz and Muddassar Bashir, were indicted. However, a Pakistani court acquitted them in 2018, citing a "lack of evidence" against them. The Lahore Sessions Court announced the verdict after all witnesses turned hostile. "Not a single witness testified in the court against both the suspects. The court acquitted them for lack of evidence against them," an official said.
Singh's tragic end in Lahore's Kot Lakhpat Jail
Singh was sentenced to death on spying charges and for killing at least 14 Pakistani nationals in bomb attacks in Punjab province in 1990 following his arrest by Pakistani authorities. His family, however, claimed that he was a victim of mistaken identity and had mistakenly crossed the border. His mercy requests were turned down by the courts and late President Pervez Musharraf.
Singh's story immortalized in Bollywood
Throughout Singh's 23-year incarceration, his elder sister, Dalbir Singh, campaigned tirelessly for his release. Following her brother's death, Dalbir decided to bring his story to light through a Bollywood film. The film stars Randeep Hooda as Singh and Aishwarya Rai Bachchan as Dalbir, with the goal of shedding light on Singh's suffering and injustices while in prison.
