The investigation into the death of 25-year-old businessman Mir Raza Ali has taken another turn, with his father, Mir Hussain Ali, demanding the suspension of Karachi East Deputy Inspector General (DIG) Dr Farrukh Ali and other police officials over alleged delays and mishandling of evidence.
Speaking to journalists on Friday, Mir Hussain accused the officers of attempting to conceal important evidence and demanded action against the Ferozabad station house officer (SHO) as well.
He alleged that the police had “played a game” with the bereaved family and failed to properly investigate the circumstances surrounding his son’s death.
Mir Raza Ali’s death under investigation
Mir Raza, an IBA graduate and businessman, went missing on July 28 and was found dead in Gulistan-e-Jauhar the following day.
The initial investigation reportedly considered the possibility that he had died by suicide. However, his family rejected that theory and maintained that he had been kidnapped, tortured and murdered.
The case subsequently took a new direction after questions were raised over the initial medico-legal examination. A court later permitted the exhumation of Mir Raza’s body, leading to a fresh post-mortem.
The new examination reportedly identified a gunshot injury to his back, along with other injuries. A chemical examination of his clothing also reportedly detected acid particles and elements associated with gunshot residue.
Family raises concerns over smartwatch
Digital evidence has also become an important part of the investigation, particularly Mir Raza’s smartwatch.
The deceased’s family has objected to the device being examined by the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA). Family lawyer Jibran Nasir said the family wanted the smartwatch examined by the Punjab Forensic Science Agency (PFSA) in Lahore instead.
Nasir raised concerns about possible tampering, saying the smartwatch had remained in the possession of a former committee head for several days before being handed over to the NCCIA.
The family is seeking a forensic examination that could potentially help investigators establish the device’s data and activity around the time of Mir Raza’s disappearance and death.
Mir Raza Ali post-mortem lapses: medico-legal officer removed
New investigation team revisits crime scene
Meanwhile, a newly constituted investigation committee has begun examining the case afresh.
The committee held a meeting at Ferozabad police station on Thursday before visiting the incident site to gather additional evidence. Investigators also interviewed nursery staff and collected further information relevant to the case.
The committee chief, DIG Karachi Branch, was briefed on the progress of the investigation and visited the incident site for the first time since taking charge of the committee.
The previous investigating officer also accompanied the new team during its visit.
NCCIA asked to examine digital evidence
According to investigation sources, the new team, headed by DIG Amir Farooqi, has written four separate letters to the NCCIA seeking assistance with digital and forensic evidence.
The requests include forensic analysis of Mir Raza’s smartwatch as well as information concerning his social media and other digital accounts.
Investigators are also examining gaps in the initial probe, including the reported absence of crime-scene geofencing, mobile-data collection and smartwatch forensics.
Key developments in the Mir Raza Ali case
- Mir Raza went missing on July 28 and was found dead the following day.
- His family rejected the initial possibility of suicide and maintained that he was murdered.
- A court allowed the exhumation and fresh post-mortem examination.
- The fresh examination reportedly found a gunshot injury and other injuries.
- Chemical testing reportedly detected acid particles and gunshot-residue elements on his shirt.
- A new investigation team has been formed to examine the case.
- Investigators have sought digital evidence from the NCCIA.
- The family has requested forensic examination of the smartwatch by PFSA.
- Dr Osama, who conducted the initial post-mortem, was removed as medico-legal officer after an inquiry found serious lapses.
- The court has set August 15 as the deadline for submission of the investigation report.
The latest allegations by Mir Hussain have added further pressure on investigators as authorities attempt to reconstruct the events surrounding his son’s disappearance and death. The new investigation is expected to determine whether the alleged procedural lapses affected the collection or preservation of crucial evidence and establish responsibility for the crime.
