A medico-legal officer at Jinnah Hospital has been removed from his position following alleged lapses in Mir Raza’s autopsy. Dr Osama conducted the first post-mortem examination of Karachi businessman Mir Raza. Hospital officials confirmed his removal on Wednesday.
However, sources said an inquiry committee will question the doctor over alleged discrepancies in the post-mortem report.
The committee will examine the autopsy report along with other available evidence. It will then decide whether further action is required.
The development comes as investigators examine significant differences between the initial autopsy and findings from Mir Raza’s exhumation.
Exhumation Report Reveals Multiple Injuries
Mir Raza’s body was exhumed on August 8 for a fresh medical examination. The preliminary report reportedly found signs of torture on his body.
The report also identified several injuries that differed from the initial post-mortem findings.
According to the report, the bullet entry wound on Mir Raza’s back appeared smaller than the wound on his front. This suggested that the bullet entered from the rear.
Doctors also found fractured ribs and multiple injuries to his head and face. In addition, they identified a roughly 12-centimetre fracture and wound on his right thigh.
Blood staining was also found in tissues in the lower part of his body.
The fresh examination further indicated a deep injury and fracture to the jaw. It also found injuries involving the nasal bone and other parts of the face.
Police Acknowledge Investigation Lapses
Sindh Inspector General of Police Jaaved Alam Odho had earlier acknowledged shortcomings in the investigation.
He said various departments had made mistakes, including the health department’s medico-legal officer.
According to the police chief, authorities were working to address the shortcomings identified during the investigation.
He also said investigators were examining the case in light of a detailed medical board report.
Police had initially proceeded based on the first medico-legal report. However, the findings from the exhumation have now added further questions to the investigation.
DNA Samples Collected During Exhumation
Investigators collected 17 samples during Mir Raza’s exhumation. Samples were also obtained from his parents for DNA matching.
The samples are expected to be submitted to the forensic laboratory at the University of Karachi.
After the samples were collected, Mir Raza was reburied on August 8.
The inquiry into the alleged autopsy discrepancies will now determine whether further action should follow against the medico-legal officer.
What Happened to Mir Raza?
Mir Raza Ali Khan went missing from the Pakistan Employees Cooperative Housing Society (PECHS) area on July 28.
He reportedly left his home at 4:09am in an online taxi. Two days later, authorities found his body outside a guesthouse in Gulistan-e-Johar.
Police officials said the body was found in a badly damaged condition. They also reported a gunshot wound to his chest.
Meanwhile, his social media accounts had been shut down a day before his body was recovered.
According to Mir Raza’s father, he was due to marry on August 30. The wedding was scheduled to take place at Baitul Mukarram Mosque in Gulshan-e-Iqbal.
His father said Mir Raza had been excited about beginning a new chapter in his life.
The latest medical findings have therefore brought renewed attention to the circumstances surrounding his death. The inquiry committee’s review could now play an important role in clarifying the alleged discrepancies in the original autopsy.
