Blasphemy suspect Dr Shahnawaz was killed in a fake encounter, confirms Sindh home minister

In the light of an inquiry conducted by the Sindh Government, provincial home minister Ziaul Hasan Lanjar revealed that Dr. Shahnawaz Kunbhar was killed in a staged, or "fake," police encounter in Umerkot. 

The report indicated that Dr. Shahnawaz’s death occurred under questionable circumstances, with the involvement of the DIG in the incident. As a result, the SSP of Mirpurkhas has already been suspended. The 31-page report was submitted to the Chief Minister earlier in the day.

Lanjar also clarified that the inquiry focused solely on the fake encounter and that a separate forensic investigation was being carried out to determine whether the accusation of blasphemy against Dr. Shahnawaz had any basis.

The report recommended that the family of Dr. Shahnawaz file an FIR against the police officers involved. The Sindh government has already reached out to the family to ensure they have full autonomy in seeking justice. Lanjar added that, if the family chooses not to file an FIR, the state would take on the responsibility of doing so.

Highlighting the gravity of the situation, Lanjar emphasized the need for a swift and thorough investigation, stating that the incident poses a serious challenge to the integrity of the police force. He affirmed that it is the government’s duty to uphold the rule of law and ensure that all state institutions operate within their legal limits.

The incident became further complicated when a mob seized Dr. Shah Nawaz Kumbhar’s body, a blasphemy suspect reportedly killed in a police encounter, and set it on fire.

Conflicting reports surround his death, with SSP Mirpur Khas, Asad Chaudhry, claiming that Dr. Kunbhar died in a gunfight, allegedly being shot by his own companion. However, relatives of the deceased disputed this, adding to the uncertainty surrounding the case.