DADU: A local court in Dadu on Monday acquitted all accused in the high-profile triple murder case involving Umme Rubab Chandio’s father, grandfather and uncle, bringing an end to a seven-year-long trial.
The Model Criminal Court had reserved its verdict on February 27 after nearly 400 hearings conducted over several years in a case that drew widespread public attention.
The case pertained to the killing of three members of Umme Rubab’s family in Mehar, allegedly by influential individuals for forming a Tamandar Council against the tribal chieftain system.
According to case details, eight individuals were nominated, including members of the Sindh Assembly Sardar Ahmed Chandio, Burhan Khan Chandio and former SHO Karim Bux Chandio. Four of the accused were in custody, while the remaining were out on bail during the proceedings.
The trial concluded after recording witness statements and hearing final arguments. Over the years, the case was transferred across multiple courts, including anti-terrorism courts in Naushahro Feroze, Sukkur and Mirpur Mathelo, before being heard in Dadu.
The case gained national prominence when Umme Rubab protested by climbing onto the vehicle of former chief justice Saqib Nisar, alleging denial of justice.
In 2020, a Sindh Police inquiry led by Pir Muhammad Shah had exonerated key accused, citing lack of evidence.
Speaking to the media after the verdict, Umme Rubab said the decision had come from a state court but maintained that the public was aware of the truth. She added that her side had already won in the court of public opinion and announced plans to challenge the ruling in higher courts.
Extraordinary security measures were put in place ahead of the verdict due to the sensitive nature of the case. Section 144 was imposed across the district, banning gatherings of more than five people.
Police deployed over 450 personnel, including senior officers, around the judicial complex and key routes, while additional measures such as checkpoints on the Indus Highway and high alert for rescue and fire services were also implemented.
Security was further tightened at Umme Rubab’s residence in Mehar as authorities sought to maintain law and order following the verdict.