Mustafa Amir
KARACHI: As authorities continue to delve deeper into the high-profile murder case of Mustafa Amir, shocking details have emerged in the official investigation report, exposing the brutality inflicted upon the victim and the criminal history of the prime suspect, Armaghan Qureshi.
The investigation report revealed that Mustafa Amir, a BBA student, was subjected to extreme violence before his murder. The report discloses that the victim was tied up with a white cloth, his hands and feet bound, and was then dragged down the stairs from the first floor of Armaghan’s residence. Mustafa was subsequently placed in the trunk of his own car and transported to Hub, where he was brutally burned.
The case initially surfaced following Mustafa’s disappearance on January 6, leading to suspicions of kidnapping and murder. The situation escalated on February 8, when Armaghan Qureshi opened fire on a Karachi police team from the Anti-Violent Crime Cell (AVCC) during a raid at his house in the upscale DHA area.
Mustafa’s burned body had been discovered in a car near the Hub checkpost on January 12. The Edhi Foundation, unaware of his identity at the time, buried him on January 16. However, after a DNA test confirmed his identity, his family reclaimed the body and conducted his burial.
Criminal Links and Money Laundering Suspicions
Armaghan Qureshi, who remains in police custody alongside another suspect, Shiraz Bukhari, is also under investigation for his alleged involvement in money laundering and cybercrimes. During the raid at his residence, security officials seized laptops, which were later handed over to the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) for forensic examination. His mobile phones have also been sent for analysis.
Authorities suspect that Armaghan financed his criminal activities through an illegal call center, using fraudulent methods to generate revenue. Some of these illicit earnings were allegedly used to invest in cryptocurrency, raising further legal complications.
Events Leading to Mustafa’s Murder and Escape to Islamabad
The investigation report has confirmed earlier police claims regarding Armaghan’s violent tendencies. The suspect had previously tortured a girl before Mustafa’s murder. According to the report, a young woman visited Armaghan’s residence before a New Year’s Eve party, which Mustafa did not attend. However, a dispute arose, and the girl left the house.
The following day, on January 5, Armaghan invited the same girl and his childhood friend, Shiraz, back to his residence. The report reveals that Armaghan subjected the girl to brutal torture using an iron rod. He later arranged an online cab for her, instructing her to seek medical treatment while also threatening her by showing a bullet to deter her from taking legal action.
On January 6, at around 9 PM, Mustafa visited Armaghan’s residence. The two engaged in a heated argument, which escalated into violence. Armaghan struck Mustafa with an iron rod before tying up his hands and feet. After severely injuring him, he dragged the victim down the stairs. Mustafa was then locked in the trunk of his own car, which was parked at Armaghan’s bungalow.
To cover his tracks, Armaghan took a petrol tank from the house, as Mustafa’s car had no fuel. At approximately 4:30 AM, he drove to Hub with Shiraz. Upon reaching the location, they set Mustafa’s car on fire, with him still inside. During their journey, they disposed of Mustafa’s mobile phone and other belongings to eliminate evidence.
Following the gruesome act, both suspects returned to Karachi on foot. Along the way, they stopped at a hotel for breakfast but left in haste when the owner noticed Armaghan carrying a weapon. They continued their journey by hitchhiking in various vehicles until they reached Karachi.
When Mustafa’s mother confronted them about her missing son, both Armaghan and Shiraz fled to Islamabad. They remained in the federal capital for some time before returning to Karachi three days before the police raid.
Criminal Record and Past Offenses
A comprehensive criminal record has revealed that Armaghan Qureshi is no stranger to legal troubles. He has a history of serious offenses, with 11 cases registered against him.
In 2019, he was charged at Sahil Police Station for issuing threats to a citizen, but he managed to settle the matter outside court. Similarly, he was booked at Darakhshan Police Station for making death threats and aerial firing. Another case at Gizri Police Station accused him of assault and fraud in a car sale dispute.
He also faced charges at Darakhshan Police Station for firing at a tanker and puncturing its tires but was acquitted after reaching a settlement with the complainant. Furthermore, he was accused of threatening a lawyer, with a case registered at Boat Basin Police Station, where he was declared a proclaimed offender.
In addition to these past crimes, Armaghan is facing current legal battles, including a kidnapping case at Darakhshan Police Station related to Mustafa’s abduction. He is also charged with attempted murder and a police encounter case at AVCC Police Station, along with illegal possession of weapons. Moreover, he faces two cases related to alleged illegal drug trafficking via courier services.
Court officials have confirmed that all these records will be submitted in court on March 15 as part of the ongoing legal proceedings against him.
Suspect Shiraz Claims He Is Being Pressured to Confess
During the latest hearing of Mustafa’s murder case, co-accused Shiraz Bukhari made a startling claim in court. He alleged that he was being pressured to confess to his involvement in the crime.
“I have been told that my sentence would be reduced if I confess,” Shiraz stated, further claiming that he was an eyewitness to the murder. He recounted how Armaghan brutally killed Mustafa in his presence, adding, “I could not do anything.”
Following these revelations, the court reviewed the investigation officer’s (IO) request for recording Shiraz’s confession. The judge subsequently directed the police to present him before the relevant anti-terrorism court for further legal proceedings.
The Mustafa Amir murder case continues to expose deeply disturbing details, shedding light on Armaghan Qureshi’s criminal past and his alleged involvement in cybercrimes, money laundering, and violent offenses. As the legal battle unfolds, authorities remain committed to ensuring justice for Mustafa and holding the perpetrators accountable for their heinous acts.
