The investigation into the custodial death of Irfan Baloch, a young man who died while in Karachi police custody, has been handed over to the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) for an independent probe.
Irfan was detained along with several others for questioning when his condition deteriorated during interrogation. The officers allegedly failed to provide timely medical aid.
A post-mortem report revealed multiple injury marks consistent with torture, contradicting earlier police claims that Irfan died of a heart attack.
Confirming the transfer, SSP South Amjad Ahmed Shaikh said the Sindh Police made the decision to ensure transparency and impartiality. “The impression that the police are shielding the accused officers is baseless. Justice will be delivered,” he assured, adding that the complete case record will be turned over to the FIA by Monday.
An FIR had been registered at the Saddar Police Station under charges of negligence and manslaughter, naming seven officers, including ASI Ubaid Shah, ASI Sarfraz, and constables Fayyaz Shah, Waqar, and Asif Ali. Two of the accused have already been arrested.
Originally from Bahawalpur, Irfan had been visiting Karachi for leisure when he was detained. The FIA will now investigate allegations of custodial torture, abuse of power, and police negligence.
