Lawyer Jibran Nasir, representing the family of businessman Mir Raza Ali, has accused authorities of prolonged torture inflicted on the young man before his death, revealing that chemical tests on his shirt detected traces of acid. Addressing the media alongside Mir Raza’s parents, Nasir highlighted several critical developments in the past 24 hours and questioned both the management of evidence and the progress of the investigation into Raza’s demise.
Nasir stated that samples sealed by Dr Osama during the initial investigation yielded significant results, including the presence of acid on Raza’s shirt. He further alleged that Raza was subjected to acid attacks and that anesthesia was administered directly into his body. Claiming that Mir Raza endured torture for approximately 12 hours, Nasir also expressed concerns that he might have been forced to ingest acid. However, during the press conference, the lawyer did not provide detailed laboratory methodologies or a comprehensive forensic report, and these claims remain unverified independently.
Nasir raised questions about the timeline of Raza’s disappearance and the recovery of his body. Referring to footage showing Raza at around 4:38pm on July 28, he questioned what transpired between that time and when the body was found on July 29. The family and their legal team have been cooperating with the newly formed investigation committee, uncovering several issues regarding the earlier handling of the case.
Nasir, the family identified a location where empty bottles, believed to have contained acid, were found. He urged investigators to examine this site as part of the renewed inquiry.
Concerns were also raised about the preservation and handling of evidence. Nasir alleged that CCTV footage from the relevant area was mishandled and that the digital video recorder (DVR) was improperly transported in a vehicle by Township SHO Adil Afzal. He also questioned the composition of the investigation team, noting that an officer based in Kashmir was included. Nasir claimed that the investigation had been compromised, with the newly formed committee finding flaws in the previous probe. He called for inquiries into SSP Samiullah Somro and SSP East Zubair Nazir Sheikh, accusing them of evidence destruction.
Additionally, Nasir highlighted issues surrounding a smartwatch believed to be pertinent to the case. He said SSP Samiullah Somro was contacted on Thursday to provide the device, stressing that the handling of such evidence demands greater transparency as the investigation reconstructs the circumstances of Raza’s death.
The lawyer stated that he and the family remained engaged with the investigation committee during its work on Wednesday and Thursday, sharing concerns and information. The family seeks clarity on what happened between the last sighting of Raza and the discovery of his body. Nasir criticized the Gulistan-e-Jauhar police for their handling of the case, noting investigators have yet to determine whether Raza’s death was a suicide or homicide. He warned that suspects might be shielded if evidence is not properly preserved and examined.
Nasir also cautioned that no government minister should question the medical findings without first reviewing the evidence, warning that unjustified criticism would prompt calls for resignations.
Raza reportedly went missing on July 28 after leaving his home, with his body recovered the following day near Gulistan-e-Jauhar. Initially, the case was linked to a suicide theory, which the family rejected, raising doubts about the circumstances of his death. A court ordered the exhumation of Raza’s body from the Tariq Road graveyard under medical board supervision. The subsequent post-mortem revealed a gunshot wound from behind and additional injuries, renewing questions about the initial investigation.
The new investigation team has visited the recovery site, interviewed individuals connected to the area, and examined relevant materials. DNA testing confirmed the body found in Gulistan-e-Jauhar was Mir Raza’s, matching samples from his parents. Nasir questioned who was responsible for creating ambiguity in the evidence. While hopeful about the new probe, he expressed dissatisfaction with its progress so far.
Mir Raza’s father alleged that the Ferozabad police SHO summoned his son’s friends for questioning and threatened them. Nasir’s latest claims are expected to intensify scrutiny of forensic evidence, the chain of custody for samples and digital data, and the overall circumstances surrounding Raza’s death. The investigation continues, with these allegations to be evaluated alongside forensic findings and other collected evidence.
