Govt seeks judicial probe into Mir Raza's death

Family rejects move, plans to approach SHC for JIT

KARACHI:

The Sindh government has decided to request the chief justice of the Sindh High Court (SHC) to constitute a judicial commission to ensure an impartial and transparent investigation into the death of young businessman Mir Raza Ali.

The decision came after the provincial government received a letter from the bereaved family addressed to Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah, raising concerns over the investigation into the case.

Mir Raza Ali, a 25-year-old owner of dessert brand Wafflix, went missing on July 28, and his body was found in Gulistan-e-Jauhar on July 29. Following an initial claim of suicide by police, a second post-mortem confirmed that he had been murdered.

In a statement issued on Sunday, the Sindh government expressed its "heartfelt condolences and full solidarity" with the family, saying the loss of a loved one becomes even more painful when serious concerns and questions remain unanswered.

The proposed commission will examine whether the investigation is being conducted impartially and in accordance with the law. It will also identify any investigative aspects or evidence requiring further scrutiny. The commission will determine whether any police officer, medico-legal officer or other government official was negligent, failed to perform their duties, misused authority, concealed or tampered with evidence, committed an unlawful act, ignored evidence or attempted to cover up any wrongdoing.

Where necessary, the commission may recommend further investigation, forensic analysis and appropriate legal or departmental action. The government said the commission would exercise all powers available under the Sindh Tribunals of Inquiry Ordinance, 1969, including those of a civil court. It would have the authority to summon witnesses, ensure their attendance, record statements on oath and order the production of documents and other records.

All government departments, institutions and officials have been directed to cooperate fully with the commission and provide the required records, documents and assistance. The Sindh Home Department will provide secretarial support to the commission.

The commission will submit its findings and recommendations to the Sindh government within 30 days of its constitution, although the competent authority may grant an extension if required for a complete and impartial investigation.

The government said the commission would also have the authority to review the conduct of relevant authorities during the investigation and recommend appropriate action in accordance with the law.

Family rejects commission

However, Mir Raza Ali's family has rejected the government's decision, saying it was neither consulted nor informed about the proposed judicial commission.

The deceased's father, Mir Hassan, told The Express Tribune that he did not have confidence in the move and would approach the SHC on Monday morning to seek the formation of a Joint Investigation Team (JIT) to probe his son's death.

In a video message, Ali's sister said the family learnt about the decision through the media and had not been informed about the terms of reference (TORs) or the grounds for constituting the commission.

She also questioned the timing of the decision, saying police were due to submit their report before the court on August 24.

"If the report has not been presented yet, on what basis has this decision been taken?" she asked. "Do they already know what is in the report? Do they agree or disagree with its findings?"

She said the family had repeatedly objected to a judicial commission and questioned whether the proposed body would investigate the police officers involved in the case and what action would be taken against them, including their transfer or suspension.

The family had written to the Sindh chief minister on August 19, with a copy sent to the prime minister, raising several questions, she said, adding that no answers had been received so far.

She said the family had demanded the formation of a JIT for a transparent investigation.

"Twenty-six days have passed, but nothing substantial has emerged from the investigation. So why are the same officers being retained in the investigation?" she questioned.

Reiterating her father's statement, she said the family would approach the SHC, adding that the family's "only demand" was the formation of a JIT so that the investigation could move forward.

"We reject this decision. Our sole demand is the formation of a JIT for a transparent investigation into the case," she said.