Investigators Look Into ‘Suspicious Motorcyclists’ in Mir Raza Ali Death Case

KARACHI: A new lead has emerged in the investigation into the death of Mir Raza Ali, as authorities are looking into reports of “suspicious motorcyclists” near the place where his body was found, as reported on Monday, citing sources.

Raza, a young businessman and an IBA graduate, returned home from his shop on the night of July 28 but left again shortly afterward. He told his family that he would return within 10 minutes. Police later found his body in bushes in Block 1 of Gulistan-e-Jauhar.

According to investigative sources, an initial medical examination showed that Raza had suffered a gunshot wound to the chest. Investigators are also checking whether the fatal shot was fired from behind.

Preliminary findings suggested that Raza had taken a security guard’s weapon before the incident.

A nearby nursery worker informed authorities after noticing Raza’s body. Investigators have also received information about “suspicious motorcyclists” seen near the area where the body was recovered.

Despite continued searches, police have not yet recovered the weapon used in the killing or any spent bullet casing.

Sources said Raza had around Rs40,000 with him before his death, although he reportedly left home with only about Rs1,000 in cash. He had also left his smartwatch, wallet and car at home.

Investigators are also looking into reports that Raza owed money to several people. More than 15 individuals have so far recorded their statements as part of the investigation.

Sources said Raza’s medical report is expected later today, while the forensic report of his mobile phone is likely to be received within the next one to two days.

Meanwhile, investigators are trying to reconstruct Raza’s final hours by reviewing CCTV footage and other evidence.

Police believe CCTV footage recorded at around 4:38am, showing Raza walking alone near Gulistan-e-Jauhar Block-1, was the last known footage of him before his death.

His mobile phone was recovered around 200 yards from the crime scene along with a pistol holster. Both items have been sent for forensic examination.

Earlier, police sources said that no firearm licence had been found in Raza’s name.

Investigators believe the missing weapon was a 30-bore pistol. They said the bullet that struck Raza in the chest was also 30-bore calibre. No spent bullet casings have been found at the crime scene.

Meanwhile, Raza’s father alleged that his son was killed as part of a premeditated plan. He also claimed that the family received threats from an international number after the incident. He urged investigators to identify those responsible and expressed dissatisfaction with the progress of the investigation.