Forensic Evidence Raises Questions Over How Mir Died
News Desk
Karachi: Fresh forensic evidence has added a new dimension to the investigation into Mir Raza’s death, as traces of hydrochloric acid and anesthetic substances were reportedly detected, while gunshot residue found on the back of his shirt has prompted investigators to examine the circumstances and direction of the shooting more closely.
According to investigative sources, the chemical examination of Mir Raza’s shirt detected clear traces of hydrochloric acid. More significantly, the chemical analysis of his blood samples reportedly revealed components associated with anesthetic substances, prompting investigators to examine the possibility that he may have been given an intoxicating or anesthetic substance before his death.
Another key finding concerns the presence of gunshot residue on the back of Mir Raza’s shirt. Sources familiar with the investigation said the residue was detected in significant quantities, a finding investigators believe could help determine the direction and circumstances of the shooting.
The shirt had been sent to a forensic laboratory several days ago for detailed chemical and scientific examination as investigators sought evidence that could help reconstruct the events leading to Mir Raza’s death.
The latest findings have also brought renewed attention to alleged gaps in the initial investigation. Investigators say the previous team had not carried out geo-fencing of the crime scene, obtained Mir Raza’s mobile data records or conducted forensic analysis of his smartwatch.
The new investigation team has now decided to address these gaps. According to authorities, geo-fencing of the crime scene is expected to be completed today, while mobile data records are also being obtained. Investigators have additionally gathered information about the suspicious guesthouse where the alleged incident took place.
The team has also approached the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA), with a formal request expected to be submitted to determine whether Mir Raza had received any online or telephone threats before his death.
Meanwhile, family lawyer Jibran Nasir said 12 to 13 days had passed since the incident, but several forensic reports were still awaited.
Nasir said reports concerning Mir Raza’s shirt and samples from different parts of his body, which had been sent to the Karachi University laboratory by the previous investigation committee, were expected within a day or two. He added that the DNA report from samples collected by the new investigation team following the exhumation was likely to arrive today, while some other detailed forensic reports could take another eight to 10 days.
The lawyer also urged the media to avoid sensationalizing the case or circulating leaked audio recordings. He said Mir Raza’s family was providing all relevant information to investigators and that there was no need to create unnecessary controversy through unverified revelations.
Nasir said the new investigation team had visited the crime scene and examined important locations, adding that the scope of the probe should now be expanded on the basis of the emerging evidence.
Mir Raza’s father, Mir Hussain, meanwhile, expressed satisfaction with the conduct of the new investigation team. He said the officers were listening carefully to the family’s concerns and that he had developed confidence in the new team.
Criticizing the previous investigation, Mir Hussain said that had the case been investigated effectively during its initial days, it would have reached a much more advanced stage by now. He alleged that the previous team had failed to properly share investigation details with the family.
He said the circumstances surrounding Mir Raza’s death remained unclear and pointed out that his kitchen was around half a kilometre from the reported scene of the incident.
Mir Hussain said the family would pursue every possible avenue to establish the truth and confirmed that information about three suspects had already been provided to police.
With the latest forensic findings, investigators are now expected to focus on determining the sequence of events before and after the shooting, while the pending DNA, chemical and digital evidence could prove crucial in establishing what happened to Mir Raza.
