MQM worker dies in police custody, two days of mourning announced

KARACHI: Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) worker Waseem mysteriously died overnight in custody at the Aziz Bhatti police station in Karachi.

A murder case has been filed against the sub-inspector and three other police officials, said IG Sindh.

According to DIG East Munir Sheikh, an FIR was filed in light of the findings of the post mortem report and all the concerned police officials have been taken into custody.

A spokesperson for the MQM confirmed that Waseem was a party worker. The MQM also announced two days of mourning with a complete shutter-down along with a suspension of business activities and transport.

Waseem had been arrested by the police a few days back for allegedly possessing illegal firearms. His body was shifted to the Jinnah Hospital where a post mortem was conducted.

A copy of Waseem’s post mortem report available with Geo News states his head bore marks of deep cuts and his body bore torture marks. The report also reveals that Waseem died of a heart attack following the torture.

Waseem’s family and relatives continue to protest outside the Jinnah Hospital morgue and have clashed with police.

The SHO of the police station has been suspended and demoted while three other policemen have been detained for interrogation.

IG Sindh Ghulam Haider Jamali has directed for an inquiry team to be formed with immediate effect which will be headed by a DIG.