FIA to probe youths death in SIU custody

Investigation in the case of a youth's death in the custody of the Special Investigation Unit (SIU) of police, is to be transferred to the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) on Monday, a senior police officer said on Sunday.

Anti Vehicle Lifting Cell (AVLC) SSP Amjad Sheikh, who is holding additional charge of the SIU, stated that the investigation will be formally handed over to the FIA on Monday.

The youth, Irfan, was taken into SIU custody on October 22, Wednesday, and on Thursday around 7pm, the investigating officer informed the young man's family of his death. The deceased's family expressed reservations over the case proceedings, alleging that Irfan died as a result of torture by SIU police.

Sindh Home Minister Zia-ul-Hasan Lanjar has directed the home secretary to conduct a judicial inquiry into Irfan's death. Lanjar has ordered a forensic examination to be carried out. Further, he has instructed that strict action be taken against all those found involved in the case.

Meanwhile, Irfan's family, along with locals, continued protesting for a second day on Saturday night, outside the Edhi morgue in Sohrab Goth.

Despite repeated appeals demanding that a murder case be registered under sections, police registered a case of "negligent homicide."

Rejecting the official version of the case, protesters question how a young man with no prior illness could suffer a heart attack. Further, protesters insist that Irfan was picked up from Ayesha Manzil while having breakfast, not from Lily Bridge as claimed. The protest ended around 10:30pm, and Irfan's body was returned to the morgue, however the deceased's family maintains they will not rest until justice is served.

Meanwhile, SIU officials confirmed the arrest of ASI Abid Shah and Constable Asif. SHO Mumtaz Ali assured that impartial investigations are underway and that all named suspects will be arrested.