Nine month-old baby bailed on attempted murder charges in Pakistan 'goes into hiding'

Infant's grandfather said he has sent his grandson away 'for protection'

Nine-month-old Muhammad Mosa Khan has his finger prints taken by an official in court (AFP/Getty Images)

Relatives of a nine-month old baby recently bailed after being charged with attempted murder in Pakistan have taken the infant into hiding, a member of his family said on Tuesday.

Baby Mosa Khan appeared in court in the city of Lahore last week, charged with attempted murder, threatening police and interfering with state affairs along with his father and grandfather after a mob protesting against gas cuts and price increases stoned police and gas company workers trying to collect overdue bills.

The report lodged a complaint against the whole of Muhammad Yaseen's family, which unilaterally included his nine-month-old grandson whom he brought with him to court.

At his first appearance in court last week, Mosa cried while his fingerprints were taken by a court official. Later, the baby sucked on a bottle of milk and tried to grab journalists' microphones as his grandfather spoke to the media.

"Police are vindictive. Now they are trying to settle the issue on personal grounds, that's why I sent my grandson to Faisalabad for protection," the baby's grandfather, Mr Yasin said.

The baby is on bail and due to appear at the next hearing on 12 April but Mr Yasin said he was not sure if he would take him to court for the case.

"There is immense pressure on me from various corners," he added.

UPDATE:  NINE-MONTH-OLD GRANTED BAIL BY JUDGE

The assistant superintendent who filed the charges has since been removed from their position, Senior Superintendent of Police Rana Jabbar told  The Times of India .

Mr Jabbar said: “A nine month old can never commit such a crime. This incident took place due to sheer misunderstanding on the police’s part and was not done on purpose.”

Punjab's Chief Minister Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif has asked for clarification over the incident and demanded "stern action" against those who registered the case.