acid traces found
| |

Acid traces found as Mir Raza probe widens

The Sindh government has decided to establish a judicial commission to investigate the death of 25-year-old businessman Mir Raza Ali in Karachi.

Sindh Home Minister Zia-ul-Hassan Lanjar said the decision was taken during a meeting with Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah. He said the investigation would now be conducted with the involvement of judges from the Sindh High Court.

Speaking about the case, Lanjar said the government wanted to ensure justice for Mir Raza’s family. He expressed sympathy with the family and said authorities were committed to uncovering the facts surrounding the young businessman’s death.

The minister also confirmed that the police investigation team had already been changed. Deputy Inspector General Amir Farooqui is heading the new team.

According to Lanjar, the family has also been given the option of suggesting police officers who could be included in the investigation team. He said authorities had so far found no evidence indicating the involvement of any high-profile personality.

Lanjar said the formation of a judicial commission had become necessary because of questions surrounding the investigation and conflicting findings related to the case.

The decision comes after a second post-mortem examination reportedly raised serious questions about the circumstances of Mir Raza’s death. Preliminary findings indicated that he had sustained a gunshot wound from behind, challenging earlier assumptions about the case.

The minister also addressed concerns regarding the initial post-mortem examination. He said doctors responsible for the examination should have immediately informed their superiors if they believed there were shortcomings in the report.

Meanwhile, a new development has emerged in the investigation. According to forensic sources, there was an alleged attempt to damage or burn Mir Raza’s body with acid.

Sources said traces of acid were reportedly found on the shirt worn by the 25-year-old businessman. Investigators are expected to examine the finding as part of the wider forensic inquiry.

Mir Raza’s body was discovered in bushes in Karachi’s Gulistan-i-Jauhar area after he went missing. His family has maintained that he was kidnapped, tortured and murdered.

The latest developments have intensified questions surrounding the circumstances of his death. The proposed judicial commission is expected to examine the available forensic, medical and investigative evidence and determine what happened to the young businessman.

Similar Posts

  • |

    Lebanese PM vows efforts to secure full Israeli withdrawal

    Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam has said the government will continue working through diplomatic and political channels to secure a complete Israeli withdrawal from southern Lebanon. His remarks came during a visit to the village of Zawtar al Gharbiyah where the Lebanese army has recently expanded its deployment following a new security agreement aimed at reducing tensions along the border. Speaking to residents and military personnel, Salam said Lebanon remains committed to restoring full control over all its territory. He stressed that the government would continue its efforts to ensure Israeli forces leave the remaining occupied areas in the south while supporting the Lebanese army as it strengthens its presence in the region. The prime minister’s visit followed talks between Lebanese President Joseph Aoun and US President Donald Trump at the White House. During the meeting, Aoun urged the United States to support Lebanon’s demand for a complete Israeli withdrawal from its territory as part of ongoing efforts to stabilise the border. Last month, Lebanon and Israel agreed to a US backed framework under which the Lebanese army would gradually deploy in designated areas while Israeli troops would withdraw from selected locations. The agreement also calls for the Lebanese military to take responsibility for disarming Hezbollah in those zones. Hezbollah has rejected the deal and insists it will not surrender its weapons. Tensions remain high despite the agreement. Lebanon’s army said Israeli forces opened fire near soldiers who were deploying in Zawtar al Gharbiyah on Tuesday. The Israeli military responded by saying its troops fired warning shots after Lebanese soldiers entered an area outside the agreed deployment zone. The border region has remained unstable since Hezbollah entered the regional conflict by launching attacks against Israel in support of Iran earlier this year. Israel responded with large scale airstrikes and a ground offensive that caused widespread destruction across southern Lebanon. Although violence has eased following recent diplomatic agreements, occasional military exchanges continue. During his visit, Salam raised the Lebanese flag in the village and promised that the government would focus on rebuilding damaged communities. He said authorities would work alongside the army to reopen roads, clear rubble, restore essential public services, and create conditions that allow displaced residents to return home safely. Many local residents gathered near the village hoping to receive permission to inspect their homes after months of conflict. Some expressed relief over the arrival of the Lebanese army, saying its presence gave them confidence that life could gradually return to normal. However, military officials advised civilians to wait until security operations in the area are completed before returning. The army is currently conducting security sweeps in villages close to Israeli controlled positions to ensure the areas are safe for returning residents. Officials say these operations are necessary because of the continued risk of military activity near the border. Meanwhile, Lebanon’s state news agency reported additional Israeli drone strikes and artillery shelling in nearby areas on Wednesday. It also said Israeli troops entered the Dubieh area near the border town of Shaqra and raised an Israeli flag over the historic Dubieh Castle. Lebanese Culture Minister Ghassan Salame strongly criticised the move, describing it as a provocative action that violates Lebanon’s sovereignty. He said the government remains committed to regaining control over all historic sites and national territory in the south. The latest incident follows Israel’s seizure of the historic Beaufort Castle in May. International attention has also turned to the condition of several historic castles in southern Lebanon. The United Nations is expected to consider adding five of these sites, including Beaufort Castle and Dubieh Castle, to its list of cultural landmarks at risk due to ongoing conflict. Lebanese officials hope international support will help protect these important heritage sites while diplomatic efforts continue to prevent further escalation along the border.

  • | | | |

    Petrol Price hits Rs320.73 after fresh hike

    The federal government on Tuesday announced a fresh increase in the prices of petrol and high-speed diesel (HSD), continuing its new policy of daily fuel price adjustments. According to a notification issued by the Ministry of Petroleum, the price of petrol has been increased by Rs4.93 per litre. The new price has been fixed at Rs320.73 per litre. The price of high-speed diesel has also been raised by Rs7.15 per litre. Consumers will now pay Rs367.21 per litre for HSD. The revised prices will come into effect from July 22. The increase follows the government’s recent decision to introduce a daily petroleum pricing mechanism. Previously, fuel prices were reviewed every two weeks. Under the new system, prices are revised every day based on changes in the international oil market. Officials said the daily pricing formula uses the average international oil prices recorded over the previous seven days. The policy is intended to ensure that fluctuations in global crude oil prices are reflected more quickly in domestic fuel rates. The government had also revised fuel prices a day earlier. At that time, the price of high-speed diesel was increased, while petrol received a slight reduction for only one day. The Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (OGRA) will continue updating petroleum prices on a daily basis. The authority says the new system will improve transparency and allow consumers to see immediate changes linked to global oil prices. Officials said international crude oil prices have become highly volatile due to renewed tensions in the Middle East. Fresh conflict in the region has increased fears of disruptions to global energy supplies and pushed oil prices higher. Concerns over possible supply disruptions through key international shipping routes have also added pressure on global oil markets. Pakistan, which imports a large portion of its petroleum requirements, remains vulnerable to these fluctuations. Earlier, international oil prices had declined after hopes of easing regional tensions. However, the latest developments reversed that trend, forcing another increase in domestic fuel prices. High-speed diesel is mainly used by heavy transport vehicles, agricultural machinery and industries. Any increase in its price usually raises transportation costs and farming expenses, which can contribute to higher prices of essential goods. Petrol is the primary fuel for motorcycles, cars and other private vehicles. Officials said petrol consumption has also increased after restrictions were imposed on the use of indigenous gas in Punjab, leading more consumers to rely on petrol-powered transport.

  • Three arrested in fake tax invoice network costing state 360 million baht

    BANGKOK, Thailand – Economic crimes police have arrested three people allegedly involved in a network that issued and sold fake tax invoices, costing the state an estimated 360 million baht in lost revenue, following a major operation targeting a scheme that had operated for approximately five years. Central Investigation Bureau chief Pol Lt Gen Natthasak […]

  • | | |

    Shooting outside York mosque sparks investigation,…

    A 44-year-old man has been arrested following a shooting incident outside York Mosque and Islamic Centre in the city of York, North Yorkshire, England. Police confirmed that no one was injured in the incident, while an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident is underway. According to British media reports, the firing took place outside the mosque located on Bull Lane in York on Thursday. Following the incident, North Yorkshire Police arrested a local white British man in connection with the alleged shooting. Police officials said the weapon used in the incident is believed to have been an air weapon, similar to an air gun. Authorities traced the suspect after he reportedly left the scene in a silver-coloured vehicle and later took him into custody for questioning. The suspect remains in police custody as officers continue their investigation. Police have not yet confirmed the motive behind the incident and stated that it would be too early to draw conclusions about the reasons behind the concerning event. North Yorkshire Police assured the Muslim community in York that every effort is being made to establish the full circumstances and identify the factors that led to the incident. Authorities said additional patrols will continue in the area around the mosque, particularly during prayer times when worshippers gather. Police officials also said officers would meet with the mosque’s imam as part of efforts to provide reassurance and maintain community safety. The authorities emphasized that the safety of residents and worshippers remains a priority during the ongoing investigation. Investigators have appealed to witnesses and members of the public who may have relevant information to come forward. People with CCTV footage, mobile recordings, or dashcam footage from the area have been requested to share any material that could assist the investigation. The incident has raised concerns among members of the local Muslim community, although police have stressed that the investigation is still at an early stage. Authorities continue to examine all available evidence to determine the motive and circumstances behind the shooting. North Yorkshire Police have urged anyone with information related to the incident to contact them or provide details through Crime Stoppers to help officers complete their investigation.

  • | |

    Four held after Haripur child found dead in abando…

    HARIPUR: Police have arrested four suspects in connection with the alleged abduction, sexual assault and murder of a five-year-old girl whose body was recovered from a deserted well in Haripur after an extensive search operation. Haripur District Police Officer Shafiullah Gandapur said the child was reported missing by her father on August 10. Police registered a case under relevant provisions of the Pakistan Penal Code and launched a search operation to trace her. A special investigation team was subsequently formed, comprising senior police officers, investigators and female police officials. A separate technical team was assigned to examine digital evidence, including CCTV footage, call records and geofencing data. Police reviewed footage from around 200 cameras and examined the records of 20 suspected telephone numbers. Investigators said footage from 12 cameras proved particularly significant in reconstructing the child’s movements after she left home and identifying individuals allegedly travelling in the area on foot and on a motorcycle. Three suspects were initially arrested, and police also recovered a motorcycle allegedly used in the incident. According to police, one suspect recorded a statement before a court admitting his involvement in the alleged abduction and sexual assault. The other suspects were produced before the court for further legal proceedings. Police later arrested a fourth suspect. Information obtained during the investigation led officers to a deep, dry and overgrown well located on a vacant plot near Link Road on University Road, close to a warehouse. A search team, assisted by Rescue 1122 personnel, recovered the child’s body from the well. The recovery operation was monitored by the DPO and senior members of the investigation team. The body was shifted to the Rescue 1122 Trauma Centre in Haripur, where a post-mortem examination was conducted. Doctors collected X-rays and samples for DNA and other forensic examinations. The results are awaited. The investigation has faced additional difficulties because some suspects are reportedly underage and did not possess identity documents. Police said they therefore examined telephone records linked to their family members and other numbers considered relevant to the case. The search for the missing child involved hundreds of personnel. More than 400 police officials, along with staff from the Tehsil Municipal Administration and Water and Sanitation Agency, participated in searches covering drains, sewerage lines, vegetation, vacant plots and deserted locations around the University of Haripur, Pathan Colony and nearby areas. Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Inspector General of Police Zulfiqar Hameed took notice of the case, while Hazara DIG Nasir Mahmood Satti visited Haripur to review the investigation. The DPO briefed him on the evidence collected, CCTV findings and progress in identifying and arresting the suspects. The DIG also met the victim’s family and assured them that the investigation would be pursued according to law. Meanwhile, K-P Chief Minister Sohail Afridi condemned the alleged crime and ordered a comprehensive investigation. He directed authorities to ensure that every aspect of the case was examined and that those found responsible were dealt with strictly under the law. The chief minister expressed condolences to the child’s family and said crimes against children would not be tolerated. He assured the family that the provincial government would support them and that the suspects would face legal consequences if found guilty.

  • | |

    Will Smith gets rare backing from his King Richard…

    Will Smith has received rare public support from his King Richard co-star Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor, who has defended the actor’s actions during his infamous 2022 Oscars confrontation with Chris Rock. Ellis-Taylor, who played Oracene “Brandy” Price in the Oscar-winning film, discussed the controversy during an appearance on The Daily Beast’s Obsessed podcast. More than four years after the incident, she made it clear that she still stands behind Smith’s decision to defend his wife, Jada Pinkett Smith. (People.com⁠) “I know that he wanted to protect his wife, and I stand by that,” Ellis-Taylor said during the interview. She also criticized the idea that freedom of speech should automatically protect comments she considers deliberately hurtful or disrespectful. (People.com⁠) The controversy dates back to the 2022 Academy Awards, when Rock was presenting the award for Best Documentary Feature. During his remarks, the comedian made a joke about Pinkett Smith’s shaved head, comparing her appearance to Demi Moore’s character in G.I. Jane. Pinkett Smith had previously spoken publicly about her alopecia, a condition that causes hair loss. (The Washington Post⁠) Smith initially appeared to laugh at the joke before walking onto the stage and slapping Rock. He then returned to his seat and shouted at the comedian to keep his wife’s name out of his mouth. The shocking moment was broadcast to audiences around the world and immediately became one of the most talked-about incidents in Oscars history. (The Washington Post⁠) Smith later apologized publicly, calling his behavior unacceptable and inexcusable. The Academy also launched a formal review, and Smith eventually resigned from the organization. He was subsequently banned from attending Academy events for 10 years. (The Washington Post⁠) Despite the controversy, Ellis-Taylor says her personal experience with Smith was very different from the image created by the Oscars incident. She praised him for being caring and respectful while they worked together on King Richard, particularly toward crew members and background actors. She described his kindness on set as something she considered unusual in Hollywood. (Page Six⁠) Her comments offer a different perspective on an incident that continues to divide public opinion. While many have condemned Smith’s decision to respond physically, Ellis-Taylor believes understanding his motivation matters. The actress is not the first person connected to King Richard to defend Smith. Richard Williams, the real-life father portrayed by Smith in the movie, also previously expressed support for the actor and said he would not turn against him over the Oscars incident. (cbsnews.com⁠) Years later, the slap remains part of Smith’s public story. But Ellis-Taylor’s latest comments show that some of the people who know him personally continue to separate the controversial moment from the person they experienced behind the scenes.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *