Serious Forensic Lapses, Evidence Handling Issues Emerge in Mir Raza Case

KARACHI:Serious lapses have reportedly emerged in the Mir Raza case, ranging from the handling of the crime scene to the post-mortem examinations, with forensic experts raising concerns that potentially important evidence may have been lost.

According to details, forensic experts have expressed concern over the failure to collect key samples during both the first and second post-mortems, as well as alleged serious violations of standard operating procedures (SOPs) at the crime scene.

Experts said the crime scene was not properly secured when Mir Raza’s body was removed. The area was not adequately cordoned off, while the person who moved the body was reportedly not wearing gloves.

According to forensic experts, an area roughly twice the size of the immediate location where the body was found should have been cordoned off. They said securing a larger area would have increased the chances of locating and preserving potential evidence.

Experts explained that the primary responsibility of a crime scene unit is not merely to collect evidence but to preserve, document and secure the entire scene in a manner that makes the evidence admissible in court.

They said the crime scene unit should have first secured the location, avoided immediately moving the body, carried out comprehensive photography and videography, preserved evidence relating to gunshot wounds and the condition of the clothing, searched for bullet casings and bullets, and documented evidence related to bullet holes and trajectory.

Blood evidence should not have been overlooked, they added, while evidence present on the hands and body should also have been preserved. Before moving any object, its condition, location and relationship to other evidence should have been fully documented.

Senior forensic experts said there were reportedly clear indications of gunshot residue (GSR) on Mir Raza’s right hand, along with bruising on his chest and visible abrasions on his right palm, but these signs were allegedly not given adequate attention.

They further said there may have been marks on the right hand consistent with a rope or another object, which were not properly examined. For a conclusive and robust forensic opinion, experts said both sides of the hand should have been examined to determine the continuity and pattern of any such marks.

According to the laboratory report, traces of **bupivacaine**, a local anesthetic, were found in Mir Raza’s blood.

Forensic experts also noted that an X-ray was not conducted to help determine the bullet trajectory, despite its potential importance. They explained that if a bullet had affected the skull, ribs, spine, arm or leg bones, damage to the bones could have provided important evidence for reconstructing the trajectory. X-rays or CT scans can be particularly useful in such cases, especially when a body has undergone decomposition.

Experts also expressed concern that nail samples were not collected during either the first or second post-mortem.

They explained that in certain suspected homicide cases, collecting nail samples during a post-mortem can be highly important, particularly where there is a possibility of a struggle, resistance, defensive injuries or physical contact between the victim and an attacker.

From a forensic perspective, material found beneath the nails can potentially contain important trace evidence, including another person’s DNA, blood, hair, clothing fibers or other particles.

Experts said that if there was a reasonable possibility of resistance or physical confrontation, collecting such samples during the first post-mortem would have been preferable because potential trace evidence is generally in better condition at that stage.

They added that the possibility of recovering DNA or trace material from nails does not completely disappear after exhumation. However, decomposition, environmental exposure, handling and contamination or alteration of evidence can reduce its evidentiary value.

Experts stressed that nail samples are primarily collected for DNA and trace evidence and should not be considered a substitute for GSR testing. They said the failure to collect nail samples during both post-mortems could not, by itself, be treated as proof of a particular conclusion or malicious intent.

However, if the circumstances of the case indicated a reasonable possibility of resistance or physical assault, the failure to collect the samples could represent a missed opportunity to preserve potentially valuable trace evidence, they said.

Forensic experts recommended that personnel with degrees in scientific disciplines should be posted to and trained for police crime scene units. According to them, properly trained personnel are better equipped to cordon off crime scenes and handle bodies in accordance with forensic SOPs.

They also emphasized that the presence of a doctor and a forensic expert at crime scenes should be made essential where possible. Police officers from local stations who reach crime scenes after an incident, as well as rescue volunteers, should also receive specialized training on preserving crime scenes and protecting potential evidence.