Convicted Pakistan doctor's kin appeals for freedom

Begum Mehrunissa, wife of Chisty, came to Ajmer with her daughter Shoa and Tasneem and grandson Ali and has been camping in Ajmer for the last 20 days to meet the ailing prisoner but they were denied permission. Chishty has been separated from his family for the last twenty years. Since Dr Khalil Chishty is a foreigner. Only the Ministry External Affairs and Ministry Home Affairs can grant the family permission to meet him. The permission for the family  is yet to be granted,” said district administration official.

Speaking to the media in Ajmer Begum Mehrunissa said that Khalil is now 78 years old.  His  mercy petition under Article 161 of the Constitution of India is pending before the Governor of Rajasthan since June 2011 after the Chief minister favoured his mercy plea.

The governor has sent back the petition in July to the Government of Rajasthan with queries.
“I am here to plead with folded  hands for the freedom  of  my husband,” said Mehrunissa. Shoa and Tasneem also made an emotional  appeal and said that they wanted to see their father. “For us every year went in waiting that one day we could see our father,” said the daughters.  The family has a visa only for Ajmer and Delhi and they also requested the district administration to allow them to meet Khalil in Jail.

“I wanted to see and touch my husband. He has already faced for his conviction,” Mehrunissa said.  Khaleel was convicted in a murder case by the fast track court in January last for life imprisonment along with three others 16 years after the incident. The incident occurred on 19 April of 1994 in Dargah bazaar.