The case of Mir Raza Ali has taken a significant turn after a medical board completed his exhumation and identified multiple injuries, including a gunshot wound that entered from the back and exited through the chest.
According to the four-page post-mortem report prepared by an eight-member exhumation board on August 8, the examination found injuries to Mir Raza Ali’s head, face, neck, back, chest, and foot. The board also confirmed that the listed injuries were sustained before death, based on evidence of blood escaping into the surrounding tissues.
The report identified a firearm entry wound measuring around 0.8 centimetres on the left side of the upper back at the level of the sixth rib. The wound had irregular margins and showed greyish-black discoloration. The sixth rib underneath was fractured, with the report describing the fracture as comminuted and noting multiple bone fragments.
The examination also found the left pleural cavity filled with congealed blood. Damage was noted around the fifth rib, while the apparent bullet path was traced through the chest. The heart had two circular tears or lacerations measuring about one centimetre each, while a blackened area described as a bullet tract was found on its posterior surface.
A separate lacerated exit wound measuring approximately 1.5 by 1.2 centimetres was found on the right side of the upper chest. The findings indicate a projectile passed through the body, although the medical board has not yet issued a final opinion about the cause of death.
The report also documented several injuries to the head and face. These included a reddish bruise on the right frontal region of the skull, bruising around the right nasal bone, and a fracture involving the tip of the nasal bone on the left side.
A deep bluish congested area was also found over the maxilla above the upper front teeth. Congealed blood was present in the surrounding tissues. The examination further identified a fracture involving the posterior portion of the left temporo-parietal-occipital suture of the skull.
The report also mentioned bluish discoloration around the joints of the hyoid bone. However, the cartilage was described as almost completely decomposed, making further assessment difficult.
The exhumation was conducted at Rehmanial Masjid Graveyard under an order of the Court of the CJ & JM XXI, East Karachi. The medical board arrived at 10:30am, identified the grave at 10:50am, and began excavation at 11:09am.
The body was removed at 11:50am. The post-mortem examination started at noon and concluded at 1:15pm. The report stated that the remains were in an advanced stage of decomposition and that the physical features were unrecognisable.
Maggots were reportedly present across the body, while the brain matter had liquefied and internal organs had undergone extensive decomposition. The board estimated the interval between death and the exhumation examination at around 12 days.
Medical experts also collected samples for further forensic testing. These included gunshot residue samples from the chest and back wounds, along with skin samples and swabs from both hands.
Additional samples were collected for DNA analysis. These included scalp hair, deep muscle swabs, teeth, and the left clavicle. The samples will undergo laboratory examination to provide further evidence.
Importantly, the medical board has reserved its final opinion on the cause of death. Its conclusion will be issued after chemical, forensic, and other laboratory reports are received.
The findings have significantly expanded the forensic investigation into Mir Raza Ali’s death. The documented gunshot wound, heart injuries, rib fracture, head injuries, and evidence of bleeding before death could become important pieces of evidence as investigators determine what happened.
