LONDON: UK authorities have closed their investigation into the acid attack on Shahzad Akbar, the former federal minister and ex-adviser to deposed prime minister Imran Khan, which took place last year.
A police source linked with counter-terrorism policing stated, “We have explored all lines of inquiry and have not been able to identify any suspects.”
In November 2023, Akbar reported that an unidentified individual threw acid on his face at his UK residence, resulting in injuries to one side of his face and body.
The Hertfordshire Constabulary, responsible for policing the county of Hertfordshire where Akbar resides, described the investigation as extremely complex, stating, “Since November, officers have been working hard to try and trace those involved. On this occasion, we have explored all lines of inquiry and have not been able to identify any suspects. Incidents of this nature are thankfully rare in Hertfordshire, and the safeguarding of any victim remains our priority. Should any new information come to light, we will act on this accordingly.”
An intelligence source mentioned that the probe into the acid attack was closed after no suspects were found during the “dedicated investigation.” Despite probing several lines of inquiry and reviewing hours of footage, including entry and exit points in the local area of Royston, no suspects were identified. Forensics didn’t yield any breakthroughs, and no clues were discovered, leading to the decision to close the investigation without further action.
Following the incident last year, Herts police were alerted by an ambulance service to reports of an assault in Royston. “It is believed an acidic solution was used. A 44-year-old man received hospital treatment and has now been discharged. Safety of any victim is paramount, and we believe this is an isolated incident,” the police had stated.
Weeks before the attack, Akbar had informed that he felt endangered because his new address in Royston was known to the Pakistani government. He had informed the police after receiving a letter from the Cabinet Division regarding his role in various cases.
Last week, Akbar announced he was taking legal action against the Government of Pakistan over the acid attack, naming several Pakistani government officials as responsible for the attack.
When questioned about the closure of the UK police inquiry without any suspects found, Akbar responded, “I have already made it public who is responsible for the attack on me, perpetrated at the best of the Pakistani government. The criminal inquiry may be closed, but I have recourse to a civil course of action which I have already started.”
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