The probe into the sensational murder of Wafflix owner Mir Raza Ali has taken an interesting turn as the body recovered from Gulistan-e-Johar has been identified thru DNA and chemical reports.

Four DNA samples taken from the body at a post-mortem following its exhumation on Saturday matched reference samples taken from Mir Raza’s parents, effectively confirming that the recovered remains were his.

The samples were analyzed at Sindh Forensic DNA Laboratory, Karachi University.

Blood found in a broken flowerpot near the body was also said to be of the same profile as Mir Raza, investigators were told.

“Meanwhile, a chemical analysis by the International Centre for Chemical and Biological Sciences (ICCBS), University of Karachi, has added yet another important dimension to the case.

The report said the findings suggest Mir Raza was shot from behind. The back of his shirt, where the bullet had hit, had a heavier concentration of gunshot residue. The report also said that he had acid on his body and traces of a sedative in his blood.

Investigators also noted that the bullet entry hole on the back of the shirt was smaller and the exit wound was almost six times larger, again indicating the shot came from behind.

The developments come after criticism from Mir Raza’s family after the earlier investigation and the authorities disbanded the previous team and constituted a new team of seven members headed by DIG Investigation and Crime Amir Farooqi.

DSP Sirajuddin, Inspector Muhammad Ali have also joined the team.

Mir Raza’s body was discovered at a hilly location in Gulistan-e-Johar on July 29. A.30 bore pistol casing was recovered from the scene later on August 6 but the weapon is still to be found.

The previous IO appeared before the court and sought more time to submit the report, saying the investigation was still under way. The IO informed the court that senior authorities had changed the officer handling the case and that the new investigation officer would appear at the next hearing. A judicial magistrate of Karachi’s East district ordered to submit a progress report on August 15 as the investigators try to establish the circumstances behind the killing.

Credit: Independent News Pakistan (INP)