Surjani Town killings: Eight-member team formed to investigate deaths

KARACHI: An eight-member investigation team has been constituted to investigate the deaths of a woman and her three children in Karachi’s Surjani Town.

DIG West Irfan Baloch formed the team under the supervision of SSP West Tariq Mastoi. The team also includes the SP Investigation West, a DSP and the SHO of Surjani Town.

Police have prepared an initial medical report of the victims, which found multiple severe injuries to their heads. According to the police surgeon, the blows caused extensive damage to the victims’ brain tissues.

The police surgeon also confirmed that the critically injured 18-month-old girl, Ashmira, died while undergoing treatment at Jinnah Hospital.

Samples collected from the bodies have been sent for chemical analysis to determine whether the victims were administered any intoxicating substance before their deaths.

The victims were identified as 34-year-old Mahwish and her children, five-year-old Hasnain, six-year-old Kashmirah and an 18-month-old girl. The youngest child was initially shifted to hospital in critical condition but later succumbed to her injuries.

Police are also questioning Mahwish’s husband in connection with the investigation. He told police that he had gone to drop his employer somewhere and, upon returning, found the door closed. He said he repeatedly called out to his wife but received no response.

SSP West Tariq Elahi Mastoi also visited the crime scene following the incident.

Sindh Home Minister Zia-ul-Hassan Lanjar took notice of the deaths and sought an immediate and detailed report from the SSP West. He directed police to investigate the case from all angles, collect forensic evidence and determine the circumstances behind the killings.

The home minister further ordered immediate action if evidence of anyone’s involvement emerged and instructed officials to keep him updated on the progress of the investigation.