High-level panel to probe top cop's 'suicide'

Forensic, digital analyses underway to determine exact circumstances of SP Adeel's death

ISLAMABAD:

The federal government has formed a high-level investigation team to probe the purported suicide committed by Superintendent of Police (SP) Adeel Akbar. SP Akbar, who was serving as the zonal police head of Industrial Area, died after sustaining gunshot wounds to his head in his vehicle near a hotel in Islamabad on Thursday.

The incident occurred at around 4.30pm near a bridge as the officer was returning to his office. The weapon used in the incident had been seized, and forensic experts examined ballistic evidence to confirm the sequence of events. Speaking to newsmen at PIMS, State Minister for Interior Talal Chaudhry said a high-level investigation team had been constituted under the supervision of Islamabad IGP.

The minister said as per the initial investigation, SP Adeel shot himself dead inside his vehicle late in the afternoon. A three-member inquiry committee has been constituted after consultation with the interior minister and himself, Talal said. The committee comprises DIG Headquarters, DIG Islamabad, and DIG Security.

Speaking to the media, the IGP described the incident as "deeply tragic" for the entire police force. He confirmed that the officer shot himself dead inside his vehicle. He said that the Safe City footage reportedly "does not show any external attack; everything appears to have occurred inside the vehicle."

The authorities are attempting to unlock and examine the data from the officer's mobile phone. Colleagues are also being interviewed, given his recent transfer from Balochistan. The driver and the staff, who were present at the time of the incident, are also being questioned.