Mir Raza's parents request Sindh CM for 'direct supervision' of investigation

Mir Raza’s parents, Mir Hussain and Mariam Hussain, have approached Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah through their lawyer, Jibran Nasir, seeking his direct oversight of the investigation into their son’s death.

They called for an inquiry into the previous investigation team and demanded the immediate suspension of officers involved, alleging that the police had failed to properly investigate the case and continued to promote a false suicide narrative.

The family accused senior police officials and investigators of incompetence, corruption and political influence, arguing that the continued presence of members of the original investigation team could allow evidence or witnesses to be compromised. They also alleged that the officers’ conduct could amount to offences under the Pakistan Penal Code, including concealing evidence and deliberately preparing incorrect official records.

In the 22-page letter, the family raised 24 unanswered questions about Raza’s final communications, the circumstances of his death and allegedly missing digital and forensic evidence. They questioned why investigators remained focused on analysing post-mortem reports instead of pursuing other evidence, and also raised concerns about the role of Raza’s business partner before and after his death.

The family proposed 10 allegations against the officers and 13 terms of reference for a departmental inquiry. These included examining the alleged mishandling of evidence, failure to record witness statements, manipulation of investigation records, improper handling of Raza’s electronic devices and possible interference by senior officials or other influential individuals.

The letter also questioned the circumstances surrounding the special medical board and called for an investigation into the custody and forensic examination of Raza’s smartwatch. Copies were sent to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and senior Sindh police officials.

Raza, the 25-year-old owner of Wafflix, went missing on July 28. His body was discovered the following day in bushes near Shahi Qila Ground in Gulistan-i-Jauhar with a gunshot wound. His family maintains that he was kidnapped, tortured and murdered, while the initial investigation indicated that suicide was a possibility.

Following concerns over the original autopsy and investigation, the family sought a fresh post-mortem through a judicial magistrate. On August 8, an eight-member medical board led by Police Surgeon Dr Summaiya Syed exhumed the body and conducted a second examination.

The board collected samples for identification, chemical testing and gunshot-residue analysis, while reserving the final cause of death until laboratory results were available. Dr Syed said the examination found several injuries to Raza’s head and face, a fractured rib associated with the gunshot wound, injuries to his right side and feet, and a black, congealed substance in his mouth and throat.