Initial findings reveal that Irfan was illegally detained and tortured during interrogation, leading to his death.
The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) has registered a case against six officials of the Special Investigation Unit (SIU) over the alleged custodial death of a young man, identified as Irfan, in Karachi.
According to FIA officials, the case was filed under sections 8 and 9 of the Torture and Custodial Death (Prevention and Punishment) Act, 2022 with the anti-corruption circle. Initial findings suggest that Irfan was illegally detained and subjected to torture during interrogation, which allegedly led to his death.
The accused officials named in the FIR include ASI Abid Shah, ASI Muhammad Sarfaraz, Constable Asif Ali, Constable Waqar, Constable Humayoon Baig and Constable Fayyaz Ali.
Learn more: Seven Karachi police officers suspended after youth dies while in SIU custody
FIA officials said further investigation was underway and assured that “strict legal action would be taken against those responsible.”
Reports of the incident surfaced last week when Irfan died under controversial circumstances while in the custody of the police Special Investigation Unit. While authorities claimed Irfan suffered a heart attack, his relatives claimed he was tortured to death.
Relatives said Irfan, who had recently traveled from flood-hit Ahmadpur Sharqia to Bahawalpur, was staying with his uncle at BR Society in the buffer zone. On October 22, Irfan and three friends – Nasir, Salman and Imran – went to have breakfast near Ayesha Manzil. While recording videos, they were allegedly arrested by SIU staff on suspicion, and their cell phones were confiscated.
The family said they lost contact with the boys after the arrest and later learned that Irfan had died in custody. His body was first taken to Jinnah Hospital for post-mortem before being shifted to Edhi Mortuary in Sohrab Goth.
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The alleged death in custody sparked widespread public outrage. Irfan’s family and local residents staged protests, accusing the police of “abuse of authority and brutality.”
Amid the growing outcry, at least three assistant sub-inspectors and four SIU officers have been suspended. Officials confirmed that forensic and procedural evidence was being compiled.
