Investigation Report of Dr Shahnawaz Kumbhar
31 Pages Investigation Report of Dr Shahnawaz Kumbhar by Government of Sindh Findings
Dr. Shahnawaz Kumbhar, a senior medical officer accused of blasphemy, was killed in a staged police encounter in Mirpur Khas following his arrest by Umerkot police on September 18, 2024, in Karachi.
An inquiry committee, initiated under the guidance of Sindh Police chief Ghulam Nabi Memon, has completed its investigation report of Dr Shahnawaz Kumbhar, exposing severe misconduct among police officials in both Umerkot and Mirpur Khas. The inquiry report, prompted by significant public pressure, reveals multiple violations of law by the police.
Dr. Kumbhar’s arrest was expedited due to widespread protests in Umerkot triggered by the blasphemy accusations against him. After being tracked down in Karachi, he was transferred to Mirpur Khas police, who are alleged to have staged an encounter that resulted in his death later that night.
Report Findings
The report revealed that following the FIR (FIR No. 47/2024 and FIR No. 48/2024) FIR No. 47/2024 and FIR No. 48/2024 in Umerkot, a task was assigned to Abdul Satar Samoon, who, along with Constable Nawab Samejo, Nadeem Khoso, Amanullah, and others, went to arrest Dr. Shahnawaz Kumbhar. He was apprehended at the Pak Qatar Hotel at 5:25 PM on September 18. Subsequently, at 7:45 PM, he was transferred to the Mirpur Khas police station in a white Vigo vehicle. Tragically, at 12:20 AM, he was killed, and there were attempts to portray the incident as an encounter, which ultimately failed. The report recommends strict action against the DIG, SSP, and the involved officers, stating that their actions have damaged the reputation of the Sindh Police.
The inquiry committee confirmed that the encounter was fabricated to provide legal cover for an extrajudicial killing. It condemned the celebrations and praise that police officers received from the public following Dr. Kumbhar’s death, which gained traction on social media.
The committee has recommended that Dr. Kumbhar’s family should file a murder FIR against the involved officers. Additionally, it has called for strict departmental action against the Umerkot and Mirpur Khas police, including disciplinary measures against senior officers such as the DIG and SSP, for failing to uphold legal procedures and maintain command during the incident. This tragic event has incited widespread condemnation from human rights activists and liberal groups across Pakistan, who are demanding justice for Dr. Kumbhar’s family and accountability for the police’s illegal actions.
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