KARACHI: The judicial commission investigating the death of Mir Raza Ali has raised serious questions about the police investigation, the handling of medical and digital evidence, and the initial conclusion that he died by suicide. The commission has recommended a new joint investigation team (JIT) to conduct a comprehensive investigation into all aspects of his death.
The 70-page report, headed by Justice Umar Sial, was submitted to the Sindh chief minister on October 15. The commission held 20 meetings between August 27 and October 7 and recorded statements from 50 witnesses.
According to the report, the police initially declared Mir Raza’s death a suicide on the basis of the preliminary post-mortem report. His family challenged that conclusion, citing marks of violence on his body and other evidence.
The police surgeon identified shortcomings in the initial post-mortem report and recommended another examination. Mir Raza’s body was re-examined on August 8. The final report identified a bullet wound entering from the back as the cause of death.
The commission said it was not appropriate to conclude that the death was a suicide while ignoring contradictions in the medical evidence. It criticised the police for maintaining their initial position despite conflicting medical findings and failing to meet basic investigative requirements.
JIT recommended to investigate all aspects of death
The commission recommended that the Sindh government establish a JIT to investigate all aspects of Mir Raza’s death. Representatives of the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI), Rangers and the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) should be included in the team.
It also called for further investigation into possible blackmailing or a revenge killing. The commission stressed that the available material was not sufficient to reach a final conclusion about an organised cover-up or criminal responsibility.
The report recommended further investigation into suspicious vehicles and individuals present at a guest house. It also raised questions about the leadership and supervision of DIG Amir Farooqi and DIG Farukh Ali Lanjar.
Police criticised over digital evidence
The commission raised serious concerns about the handling of CCTV footage, mobile phones, an Apple Watch and other digital evidence.
According to the report, police failed to take important CCTV recordings into legal custody through the proper procedure. Instead, footage displayed on monitors was recorded using mobile phones. The original digital video recorders were not secured in accordance with legal requirements.
The report also identified gaps in the record of evidence transfers and noted that some actions were not entered in the daily police diary. Police statements about obtaining and preserving footage contained contradictions.
The commission questioned the procedures used to take custody of the phone, obtain digital data and access information stored on the Apple Watch. Attempts to enter unauthorised passcodes made the phone’s data inaccessible and caused difficulties in retrieving information from the watch, affecting the investigation.
It also questioned how some digital evidence reached the media. The commission asked why private messages and financial information were disclosed, potentially damaging the family’s reputation.
Financial difficulties not enough to establish cause of death
The commission examined the police position that Mir Raza’s alleged financial difficulties could have led him to die by suicide.
The report said the police referred to statements from creditors and business partners regarding outstanding liabilities. However, the commission stressed that financial problems alone do not establish that a person would die by suicide or that financial pressure was the cause of death.
It said the available material did not justify treating financial difficulties as the definitive cause. The commission called for an independent investigation into Mir Raza’s behaviour and circumstances despite the reported financial pressure.
A message to Sarem bin Tahir referring to Rs30 million was also mentioned in the report. The commission treated the possibility of blackmail as a matter requiring further investigation.
Dr Osama Sheikh’s conduct criticised
The judicial commission strongly criticised medico-legal officer Dr Osama Sheikh, describing his conduct as extremely immature, childish and unprofessional. The report said his behaviour was not appropriate for a medical professional.
The commission recommended that Dr Osama should not be assigned medico-legal duties for at least two years and should undergo proper academic and practical training before being given such responsibilities again.
It also observed that his conduct gave the impression that he might have been acting under someone’s influence.
The commission’s observations came amid questions over the initial post-mortem report prepared by Dr Osama, which was later challenged over discrepancies in the medical findings. The final post-mortem report identified a bullet wound entering from the back as the cause of Mir Raza Ali’s death.
The commission also praised head clerk Zeeshan for his conduct, describing him as the only police official who brought credit to the Sindh Police in the case. It recommended that he receive recognition and further training.
Questions over changes to the medical board
The commission also questioned the sudden change in the medical board constituted to examine Mir Raza’s body.
According to the report, an eight-member board was formed under Karachi Police Surgeon Dr Samina Syed. On August 7, the health department reduced its membership to five and included doctors from Hyderabad and Jamshoro. The family rejected the revised composition.
The change delayed the process of exhuming the body. Following public pressure and a legal notice, the original eight-member board was restored, and the examination was completed on August 8.
The commission described the sudden change as unusual, unclear and legally questionable. It also raised questions about the role of the relevant health department officials.
Commission examines August 9 meeting at Chief Minister’s House
The report also discussed a meeting held at the Chief Minister’s House on August 9, which prompted speculation about its purpose.
The commission said it found no evidence that the meeting was intended to pressure Dr Osama Sheikh or secure a report favouring the police. It acknowledged that the chief minister had the authority to receive a briefing on a matter of significant public interest.
However, the commission said inviting the police surgeon to the meeting would have been appropriate in the interests of transparency.
Action recommended against police officials
The commission criticised the performance of several police officers and recommended departmental and criminal proceedings where warranted.
It recommended a comprehensive inquiry against SHO Adeel Afzal, along with his interim suspension. Departmental action and interim suspension were also recommended against Sub-Inspector Shabbir Laghari.
The commission further recommended departmental action against SHO Kamran Qureshi and his removal from the post.
The report called for further scrutiny of the relevant health department officials and an investigation into the possible loss of important evidence.
The commission said shortcomings in the initial police response and subsequent investigation had damaged public confidence. It warned that serious failures in preserving evidence could affect legal proceedings.
It stressed that further investigation was necessary to establish responsibility and examine the possibility of a cover-up or other criminal conduct. The commission said justice and the restoration of public trust would remain difficult without addressing the identified failures.