Investigation Report of Dr Shahnawaz Kumbhar

31 Pages Investigation Report of Dr Shahnawaz Kumbhar by Government of Sindh Findings

Dr. Shahnawaz Kumbhar, a senior medical officer accused of blasphemy, was killed in a staged police encounter in Mirpur Khas following his arrest by Umerkot police on September 18, 2024, in Karachi.

An inquiry committee, initiated under the guidance of Sindh Police chief Ghulam Nabi Memon, has completed its investigation report of Dr Shahnawaz Kumbhar, exposing severe misconduct among police officials in both Umerkot and Mirpur Khas. The inquiry report, prompted by significant public pressure, reveals multiple violations of law by the police.

Dr. Kumbhar’s arrest was expedited due to widespread protests in Umerkot triggered by the blasphemy accusations against him. After being tracked down in Karachi, he was transferred to Mirpur Khas police, who are alleged to have staged an encounter that resulted in his death later that night.

Report Findings

The report revealed that following the FIR (FIR No. 47/2024 and FIR No. 48/2024) FIR No. 47/2024 and FIR No. 48/2024 in Umerkot, a task was assigned to Abdul Satar Samoon, who, along with Constable Nawab Samejo, Nadeem Khoso, Amanullah, and others, went to arrest Dr. Shahnawaz Kumbhar. He was apprehended at the Pak Qatar Hotel at 5:25 PM on September 18. Subsequently, at 7:45 PM, he was transferred to the Mirpur Khas police station in a white Vigo vehicle. Tragically, at 12:20 AM, he was killed, and there were attempts to portray the incident as an encounter, which ultimately failed. The report recommends strict action against the DIG, SSP, and the involved officers, stating that their actions have damaged the reputation of the Sindh Police.

The inquiry committee confirmed that the encounter was fabricated to provide legal cover for an extrajudicial killing. It condemned the celebrations and praise that police officers received from the public following Dr. Kumbhar’s death, which gained traction on social media.

The committee has recommended that Dr. Kumbhar’s family should file a murder FIR against the involved officers. Additionally, it has called for strict departmental action against the Umerkot and Mirpur Khas police, including disciplinary measures against senior officers such as the DIG and SSP, for failing to uphold legal procedures and maintain command during the incident. This tragic event has incited widespread condemnation from human rights activists and liberal groups across Pakistan, who are demanding justice for Dr. Kumbhar’s family and accountability for the police’s illegal actions.

FAQs

Dr. Shahnawaz Kumbhar was an esteemed 18th-grade medical officer known for his dedication to his profession and faith. In college, he was recognized as an exceptional naat khuwan and remained committed to performing namaz five times daily. His daughter actively recited the Holy Quran at their local mosque, while their youngest son, named Muhammad, embodies the family’s values and beliefs.

Blasphemous material was uploaded on his Facebook account, he denied in a video message and told that he usually did not use that FB ID. Even though Local Molvis filed an FIR in Umerkot Police station and announced in a press club that they would pay 50 lakh (18,003.998 USD) to anyone who killed the accused doctor.

Blasphemy refers to anything said, acted upon, or posted that is against the Holy Quran or the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). The law imposes severe penalties on those found guilty, including the death penalty or life imprisonment. Accused is given protection under law, article 4,9,10 .

The investigation report of Dr Shahnawaz Kumbhar is not acceptable to the public and his family members, who are demanding a judicial inquiry and justice for Dr. Shahnawaz. They seek accountability for the police’s actions and insist that the truth behind his death be revealed.