Mir Raza Ali killing: Family opposes NCCIA smartwatch forensics, seeks PFSA probe

• Lawyer raises concerns over possible smartwatch tampering.
• New investigation team sends four letters to NCCIA: sources.
• Probe team "plans second meeting and crime scene revisit".

KARACHI: The family of deceased businessman Mir Raza Ali has opposed a forensic examination of his smartwatch by the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) as lawyer Jibran Nasir sought analysis of the device at the Punjab Forensic Science Agency (PFSA).

Ali, an IBA graduate and businessman, was found dead in Gulistan-e-Jauhar a day after he went missing on July 28. His father has maintained that his son was murdered and rejected suggestions that his death was a case of suicide.

Speaking to Geo News, Nasir said the smartwatch had remained in the possession of the former committee head for several days before being handed over to the NCCIA on Wednesday.

The lawyer said the family did not want the smartwatch examined by the NCCIA and instead wanted it forensically analysed at the PFSA, a Lahore-based facility operating under the Punjab Home Department.

Nasir also raised concerns about possible tampering, citing the fact that the smartwatch had remained with the former committee head for several days.

Investigation team visits incident site

Meanwhile, the new investigation committee held its meeting at Ferozabad Police Station, according to investigation sources. Several key decisions regarding the investigation were made during the meeting, and committee members were assigned specific responsibilities, the sources added.

Following the meeting, committee members proceeded to the incident site to collect additional evidence as part of the ongoing investigation. The sources said the previous investigating officer also accompanied the team to assist with the inquiry.

The committee chief, DIG Karachi Branch, was briefed on the investigation. This marked the DIG's first visit to the incident site since assuming leadership of the committee.

Committee members also interviewed the nursery staff and gathered further details relevant to the case, according to investigation sources.

Investigators write to NCCIA

Meanwhile, the new investigation team, headed by Deputy Inspector General (DIG) Amir Farooqi, has written four separate letters to the NCCIA, according to investigation sources.

The team has requested a forensic examination of the deceased businessman's smartwatch, according to the contents of the letters.

It has also sought details of Ali's social media accounts and other digital accounts, the sources said.

The new investigation team will hold its second meeting at Ferozabad police station, sources said. Following the meeting, the team will revisit the crime scene as part of its ongoing investigation.

Mir Raza Ali case: Key twists and developments

From disappearance to fresh examination

• Mir Raza Ali went missing on July 28; a cab driver said he booked a ride at 3:57am.
• His body was found in Gulistan-e-Jauhar on July 29; his father insisted his son was murdered.
• Initial probe: Family questions medico-legal findings; court later allows exhumation and fresh post-mortem.

Fresh forensic findings

• Fresh autopsy: Gunshot injury found on his back, alongside other injuries.
• Chemical report: Acid particles and gunshot-residue elements found on his shirt, according to report.
• Blood test: Police say sedatives are detected; DNA matches his parents.

New probe takes charge

• New team: Authorities constitute a fresh investigation team to probe the case.
• Crime scene: Team revisits the site and questions the gardener who found the body.
• Investigation gaps: Geofencing, mobile-data collection and smartwatch forensics remain pending.

Smartwatch and digital evidence

• Investigation sources: Team sends four letters to NCCIA seeking smartwatch forensics and digital-account details.
• Family lawyer: Jibran Nasir seeks PFSA examination of smartwatch, citing possible tampering.

Other key developments

• Court: Investigation report submission deadline set for August 15.
• NCCIA: Four individuals summoned over social media claims linking Memon and his son to the case.
• Medico-legal officer: Dr Osama removed after inquiry finds serious lapses in initial post-mortem.