Sana Yousaf Murder Case: Prime Accused Retracts Confession, Claims Police Framed Him

The prime accused in the murder case of 17-year-old TikTok influencer Sana Yousaf withdrew his earlier confessional statement during a court hearing on Monday, claiming that Islamabad police falsely implicated him in the case.

Umar Hayat, who had previously confessed under Section 164 of the CrPC to killing Sana, denied all allegations while recording his statement under Section 342 before the trial court.

During the hearing, Hayat repeatedly refused to answer questions until his lawyer arrived. Judge Muhammad Afzal Majoka questioned him about allegedly renting a vehicle, travelling to Islamabad, entering Sana’s house in G-13, shooting her and fleeing with her mobile phone, but the accused initially declined to respond without legal counsel.

After his lawyer appeared, Hayat claimed he had no connection to the murder and alleged that police fabricated evidence against him due to public pressure on social media. He denied renting any vehicle, travelling to Islamabad on June 2, or visiting Sana’s residence.

The accused also claimed there was no CCTV footage, location data or other evidence placing him at the crime scene. He rejected ownership of the alleged murder weapon and described the case as a “blind murder”.

Hayat further alleged that police tortured him in custody, forced him to sign blank papers and pressured him into confessing. He also refused to acknowledge the confessional statement recorded before a magistrate, claiming it was not voluntary and that he was unaware of its contents.

The court proceedings also saw tension between the judge and defence counsel after a video was allegedly recorded inside the courtroom. Judge Majoka ordered the footage to be deleted and warned against its circulation online.

Sana Yousaf, a 17-year-old TikTok personality with over a million followers, was killed in June 2025. Her murder sparked nationwide outrage and renewed debate over women’s safety in Pakistan.

Earlier, Hayat had confessed to travelling from Jaranwala to Islamabad, forcing entry into Sana’s house and shooting her after developing a one-sided obsession with her. At the time, he claimed the confession was made voluntarily and expressed remorse over the crime.