Murder suspect dies in police custody

Man arrested in woman's death case dies at hospital; post-mortem report awaited

KARACHI:

A 23-year-old man arrested in connection with the alleged murder of a woman died under mysterious circumstances while in police custody late Wednesday night, prompting authorities to await post-mortem findings to determine the cause of death.

The deceased, identified as Muhammad Khan, had been taken into custody after a murder case was registered at the Taimuria police station over the death of a 40-year-old woman, Rubina. The complaint was lodged by the victim's brother, Ali Nawaz.

Following his arrest, Khan was handed over to the Investigation Wing of Joharabad police for questioning. According to the investigating officer, the suspect's condition suddenly deteriorated during detention and he became semi-conscious, prompting police to shift him to Abbasi Shaheed Hospital under official supervision.

However, he died while undergoing treatment.

Police officials said the suspect had no known medical condition and was not believed to be a drug user. They also denied allegations of torture, stating that the exact cause of death would only be known after the post-mortem report is received.

The case stems from the discovery of Rubina's body at a house in Arafat Town's informal settlement in Taimuria on June 23. Police responded to reports of a woman's death and took the body into custody before calling in the Crime Scene Unit to collect evidence.

At the time, Khan, who had identified himself as the deceased woman's husband, was detained on suspicion.

According to Taimuria SHO Fahad, Khan initially told investigators that Rubina had fallen ill after eating rice three days earlier and that her condition gradually worsened before she died at home.

Police said the woman had apparently been dead for 10 to 12 hours before authorities reached the scene.

Investigators also revealed that it had not been independently verified whether Khan was legally married to the deceased. Rubina was reportedly divorced from her former husband, Yaseen, and was the mother of seven children, including five daughters and two sons.