KARACHI: Significant progress has been reported in the investigation into the high-profile murder of Mir Raza Ali, with police preparing a list of 10 people who will be questioned about their financial dealings with the deceased.
According to investigative sources, Mir Raza had borrowed more than Rs500 million in total from people included on the list. Investigators will question them about the loans, reasons for the financial transactions and their dealings with Mir Raza.
Sources said a person named Abid is among those on the list, from whom Mir Raza had allegedly borrowed more than Rs17.5 million. Another individual, identified as Munee, had reportedly lent him Rs500,000.
Investigators are expected to compare the information obtained from these individuals with other evidence collected during the investigation.
Digital Evidence Handed Over to NCCIA
Meanwhile, important digital evidence related to the case has been handed over to the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) for forensic examination.
According to sources, Mir Raza’s mobile phone and digital watch had previously been sent to the Counter Terrorism Department (CTD) for forensic analysis. Both devices were later retrieved from the CTD and handed over to NCCIA experts.
Investigators hope that the data recovered from the devices could provide important information about Mir Raza’s movements, contacts and events leading up to his death.
Technical Experts to Assist in Investigation
The new investigation team has also decided to seek assistance from technical experts to analyze evidence collected in the case.
Forensic officials said experts would examine both previously collected evidence and any new evidence obtained during the investigation.
Officials also said the Integrated Ballistic Identification System (IBIS) is currently out of order, making automated matching of bullet casings difficult. However, forensic examination is continuing through microscopy.
According to forensic experts, if the suspected pistol and bullet casing are available, they can be examined for possible ballistic matches.
Forensic Examination Reveals
An autopsy conducted after Mir Raza’s exhumation on August 8 reportedly revealed several injuries on his body.
According to the preliminary forensic findings, there were injuries to different parts of the body, including fractured ribs, wounds to the head and face, and a serious injury to the right thigh.
The examination also found evidence of injuries to the jaw, nose and other parts of the face.
A total of 17 samples were reportedly collected during the exhumation. Samples were also obtained from Mir Raza’s parents for DNA testing and are expected to be submitted to the forensic laboratory at the University of Karachi.
Background of the case
Mir Raza Ali Khan went missing from the PECHS area of Karachi on July 28. According to police, he left home at around 4:09 a.m. in an online taxi.
His body was found two days later outside a guesthouse in Gulistan-e-Johar.
Police said the body bore signs of injuries, including a gunshot wound. His social media accounts were also reportedly deactivated one day before his body was recovered.
Mir Raza’s father had previously said that his son’s Nikah was scheduled for August 30 at Bait-ul-Mukarram Mosque in Gulshan-e-Iqbal, and that he had been excited about starting a new chapter in his life.
Police are continuing to investigate the case from several angles, including Mir Raza’s financial dealings, digital evidence and forensic findings.
