Key Takeaways
- Justice Sial reprimands the first investigating officer for 'zero work' in the Mir Raza Ali murder case.
- The officer is accused of improper interrogation and improper custody of evidence.
- The commission asks the victim’s business partner to meet the family and submit replies.
The commission formed to investigate the Mir Raza Ali murder case has reprimanded the first investigating officer for a lack of effort in the probe. Justice Sial of the Sindh High Court stated that the officer had not fulfilled legal formalities and had hardly made any effort to investigate the matter.
The commission noted that most of the paperwork and procedures were carried out by other police officers, including the inquest report and the collection of CCTV footage. The investigating officer, Inspector Shabbir Ahmed Laghari, admitted to questioning only 10 out of 33 individuals and keeping samples from the autopsy in his custody for several days.
Justice Sial also highlighted that the police had improperly interrogated people, as 33 statements were recorded but the first IO only questioned 10 individuals. The commission is sending questionnaires to senior police officers and asking the counsel for the aggrieved family to submit any questions by Monday.
The commission summoned Ahmed Bhardey, the victim’s business partner, who appeared with his lawyer. Bhardey was not allowed to give interviews to journalists and was directed to meet the family privately to answer their questions. His lawyer was warned against scandalising the commission.
Inspector Laghari testified that he joined the police in 2002 and had investigated 20 to 25 cases. He was assigned the Mir Raza Ali case on July 28 at 3:20 pm, and visited the victim’s house and the hospital where the inquest report was carried out.
The commission is concerned about the handling of evidence and the conduct of the investigation. It has directed the first investigating officer to explain his actions and has asked for further clarification from senior police officers and the aggrieved family’s counsel.
The commission is taking a serious stance on the investigation, emphasizing the need for proper procedures and accountability. The first investigating officer is being held responsible for destroying evidence and is deemed unfit for police service.
The victim’s business partner and his lawyer were present during the proceedings, and the commission is ensuring that all parties are given the opportunity to provide their perspectives.
