Final postmortem rules out suicide in Mir Raza Ali death case

The final postmortem report in the Mir Raza Ali death case has ruled out the possibility of suicide, stating that the young businessman

KARACHI: The final postmortem report in the Mir Raza Ali death case has ruled out the possibility of suicide, stating that the young businessman died from a gunshot injury, Sindh Police said on Monday.

According to a spokesperson for the Sindh Police, the investigation team has received the final report prepared after the exhumation of Mir Raza Ali’s body. The report was compiled after considering chemical analysis, forensic findings and other available evidence related to the case.

Police said the report was being shared publicly because of the progress made in the investigation and to ensure transparency. The investigation team is currently examining the findings and will proceed with the case based on the conclusions presented in the report.

Mir Raza Ali, an IBA graduate and young businessman, was found dead in Karachi’s Gulistan-e-Jauhar area on July 29, one day after he was reported missing. From the beginning, his father, Mir Hussain, maintained that his son had been murdered and repeatedly rejected claims that he had taken his own life.

The initial autopsy had revealed that Mir Raza suffered a gunshot wound to his back. Medical findings also indicated several signs of physical violence on his body, raising further questions about the circumstances surrounding his death.

The medical report documented black marks on the body as well as injuries on the feet. Blood stains were also reportedly found on tissues in the lower portion of his body.

Further examination revealed a fracture and an injury measuring around 12 centimetres on Mir Raza’s right thigh. The report also pointed to a deep injury and fracture around the jaw, adding to the concerns raised by the family regarding the nature of his death.

Meanwhile, a judicial commission formed to examine allegations surrounding the young businessman’s death has already started its proceedings. During its first hearing, Sindh High Court Justice Omar Sial summoned the medico-legal officer, police officials and ambulance drivers connected to the case.

Justice Sial also expressed condolences to Mir Raza’s family when they appeared before the commission. He assured the family that the commission’s proceedings would be conducted openly and transparently.

The judge said that matters discussed before the commission would not take place behind closed doors. He also stated that he would maintain impartiality throughout the proceedings and would not hold private meetings with individuals involved in the matter, including the Sindh chief minister.

The commission clarified that its purpose was not to carry out a separate criminal investigation but to determine whether mistakes or negligence had occurred. It will examine possible shortcomings in the investigation, police performance and any negligence in accordance with its terms of reference.

Mir Raza’s parents and sister appeared before the commission, while their family lawyer, Jibran Nasir, was also called to present the family’s position.

Mir Hussain told the commission that he remained dissatisfied with the investigation into his son’s death. He has repeatedly maintained that Mir Raza was murdered and has refused to accept the theory of suicide.

Meanwhile, Jibran Nasir had earlier criticised the Sindh government’s decision to establish the judicial commission, arguing that it was formed without consulting or informing the deceased’s family.

With the final postmortem report now ruling out suicide, the investigation is expected to focus further on determining how Mir Raza sustained the fatal gunshot wound and identifying those responsible for his death.