Police have identified Humayun, the husband’s brother-in-law, as the alleged killer in the Surjani Town case in which a woman and her three children were found dead inside their home. DIG Karachi West Irfan Baloch announced the development during a press conference on Thursday.
The bodies of the woman and her three children were found inside their house in Sector 7-D, Surjani Town, on Monday night. Police said the victims had suffered serious head injuries caused by blunt and sharp-edged objects. Earlier reports said the victims included a mother identified as Mehwish and her three young children.
According to DIG Irfan Baloch, Humayun had previously lived in the victims’ house as a tenant for around one and a half years. Police said he arrived at the house at around 2:30pm on the day of the incident, allegedly knowing that the woman’s husband was away.
The DIG alleged that Humayun had been harassing the woman and attempted to assault her. According to the police account, a child began crying during the incident, after which Humayun allegedly picked up the child and struck her against a wall.
Police said the woman’s other two children later returned home from a madrassa at around 3pm. According to the DIG, Humayun opened the door for them and subsequently attacked the children.
Investigators further alleged that Humayun washed himself and cleaned the bloodied iron rod in the bathroom before leaving the house at around 6pm. Police are also examining the statements of people who may have been present or witnessed activity around the house.
A female neighbour reportedly told investigators that she was at the house when Humayun arrived. Police are expected to examine witness statements alongside other evidence collected during the investigation.
According to the DIG, investigators initially believed that an attempt had been made to make the killings appear to be a robbery. However, police said their initial examination of the crime scene did not support the robbery theory.
The case had initially remained without a confirmed suspect. An eight-member investigation team was formed under SSP West Tariq Mastoi to investigate the deaths. The team includes senior investigation officers, a DSP and the Surjani Town SHO.
Earlier in the investigation, police had focused on technical evidence including geofencing, call detail records and digital video recorder footage. Investigators had also been examining how the attacker entered and left the house.
Police had also reported that the victim’s mobile phone was missing from the house. Investigators were attempting to obtain call record data as part of efforts to establish the circumstances surrounding the killings. The murder weapon had also not initially been recovered.
Sindh Home Minister Zia-ul-Hassan Lanjar had earlier taken notice of the incident and directed police to investigate the killings from all angles. He also sought a detailed report from the SSP West and ordered that evidence from the crime scene be collected.
The latest police announcement represents a significant development in the investigation. However, the allegations against Humayun remain part of an ongoing criminal investigation and would have to be established through the legal process.
Police are expected to continue examining physical evidence, witness accounts and other material collected during the investigation. Further details about the suspect’s alleged motive and the evidence against him are expected as the case proceeds.
The killings have caused concern in the area because the victims were a mother and three young children. Authorities have said that the investigation will continue until all aspects of the incident are established.
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