Mir Raza case exposes major forensic lapses

KARACHI: Serious shortcomings have reportedly emerged in the handling of the Mir Raza case, with forensic experts raising concerns over alleged violations of crime scene protocols and the failure to collect potentially important evidence during the post-mortem examinations.

According to forensic experts, proper procedures were not followed when Mir Raza’s body was recovered from the crime scene. The area was reportedly not adequately cordoned off before the body was moved, while the person who handled the body was not wearing gloves.

Experts said the crime scene should have been secured over an area significantly larger than the immediate location where the body was found. A wider cordon could have increased the chances of recovering additional evidence.

They explained that the role of a crime scene unit is not limited to collecting objects from a location. It is also responsible for preserving, documenting and securing evidence in a manner that can withstand judicial scrutiny.

Experts said the scene should have been secured before the body was moved, followed by detailed photography and video documentation. The condition of the body, clothing and gunshot wounds should also have been properly recorded.

They stressed that investigators should have searched for shell casings and bullets, documented possible bullet holes and the shooting trajectory, preserved blood evidence and examined the victim’s hands and body for possible traces.

According to senior forensic experts, gunshot residue (GSR) was clearly detected on Mir Raza’s right hand. Bruising was also observed on his chest, while noticeable abrasions were present on his right palm.

Experts further noted that possible marks resembling those caused by a rope or another object were reportedly present on the right hand but were not examined adequately. They said both sides of the hand should have been examined to determine whether the marks formed a consistent pattern.

A laboratory report also found traces of bupivacaine, a local anaesthetic, in Mir Raza’s blood.

Forensic experts raised another concern over the absence of an X-ray examination to assist in determining the bullet’s trajectory. They said imaging can be important in gunshot cases because damage to bones in the skull, ribs, spine, arms or legs can help investigators reconstruct the path of a bullet.

Depending on the circumstances, an X-ray or CT scan may provide valuable information, particularly when decomposition makes a physical examination more difficult.

Experts also questioned why fingernail samples were not collected during either of the two post-mortem examinations.

They explained that fingernail samples can be particularly valuable in suspected homicide cases where there is a possibility of resistance, physical confrontation or defensive injuries. Trace material found beneath the nails can potentially include another person’s DNA, blood, hair, fibres or other particles.

According to the experts, if there was a reasonable possibility that Mir Raza had resisted or physically confronted another person, collecting such samples during the first post-mortem would have been preferable because potential trace evidence is generally more likely to remain in better condition at that stage.

They added that the possibility of recovering DNA or trace material after exhumation cannot be completely ruled out. However, decomposition, environmental exposure, handling and possible contamination can affect the evidentiary value of such material.

Experts clarified that fingernail samples are primarily collected for DNA and trace evidence and should not be treated as an alternative to GSR testing. They also cautioned that the failure to collect fingernail samples during both post-mortems does not, by itself, establish a particular conclusion or prove deliberate misconduct.

However, if the circumstances of the case indicated a reasonable possibility of resistance or physical confrontation, the failure to collect the samples could represent a missed opportunity to preserve potentially useful forensic evidence.

Forensic experts also called for better training and specialised recruitment within police crime scene units. They said officers with scientific qualifications should be assigned to such units so they can properly secure crime scenes and handle bodies in accordance with established protocols.