FIA files case against six SIU officials over custodial death in Karachi

Initial findings reveal Irfan was illegally detained and tortured during interrogation, leading to his death

The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) has registered a case against six officials of the Special Investigation Unit (SIU) over the alleged custodial death of a young man, identified as Irfan, in Karachi.

According to FIA officials, the case has been lodged under Sections 8 and 9 of the Torture and Custodial Death (Prevention and Punishment) Act, 2022 in the Anti-Corruption Circle. Initial findings suggest that Irfan was illegally detained and subjected to torture during interrogation, which allegedly led to his death.

The accused officials named in the FIR include ASI Abid Shah, ASI Muhammad Sarfaraz, Constable Asif Ali, Constable Waqar, Constable Humayoon Baig, and Constable Fayyaz Ali.

Read More: Seven Karachi police officers suspended after youth dies in SIU custody

FIA officials said further investigation is underway and assured that “strict legal action will be taken against those responsible.”

Reports of the incident surfaced last week when Irfan died under controversial circumstances while in the custody of the Special Investigation Unit of the police. While authorities claimed that Irfan had suffered a heart attack, his relatives alleged that he had been tortured to death.

Relatives said Irfan, who had recently travelled from flood-affected Ahmadpur Sharqia in Bahawalpur, had been staying with his uncle in BR Society, Buffer Zone. On October 22, Irfan and three friends — Nasir, Salman and Imran — went for breakfast near Ayesha Manzil. While recording videos, they were allegedly detained by SIU personnel on suspicion, with their mobile phones confiscated.

The family claimed that they lost contact with the boys after the arrest and later learned that Irfan had died in custody. His body was first taken to Jinnah Hospital for postmortem before being shifted to the Edhi morgue in Sohrab Goth.

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The alleged custodial death sparked widespread public outrage. Irfan’s family and local residents staged demonstrations, accusing the police of “misuse of authority and brutality.”

Amid the growing outcry, at least three assistant sub-inspectors and four constables of SIU were placed under suspension. Officials confirmed that forensic and procedural evidence is being compiled.