An inquiry committee has unanimously concluded that Dr. Shahnawaz Kunbhar, a senior medical officer, was killed by Mirpurkhas police in a staged encounter. The committee's findings suggest the police's actions were illegal and tarnished the reputation of the Sindh police force.
The investigation began following reports of alleged blasphemous activities by Dr. Kunbhar on social media, which led to widespread protests and riots in Umerkot. As pressure mounted, the Umerkot police apprehended Dr. Kunbhar in Karachi and transferred him to Mirpurkhas, despite the lack of legal grounds.
On September 17, reports emerged about the doctor’s alleged blasphemy, triggering public unrest. An FIR was filed against him based on a complaint by local cleric Sabir Ali. Amid escalating tensions, Umerkot police launched a manhunt, eventually tracking Dr. Kunbhar to a hotel in Karachi on September 18.
The police, led by Sub-Inspector Abdul Sattar, arrested Dr. Kunbhar after he voluntarily accompanied them, ostensibly for his safety. However, communications from the Umerkot SSP later ordered that Dr. Kunbhar be handed over to the Mirpurkhas police due to the volatile situation in Umerkot.
Dr. Kunbhar was reportedly killed shortly after being transferred to Mirpurkhas police custody on the night of September 18. The police initially claimed he was shot during an encounter, but the inquiry committee's findings indicate otherwise, suggesting the encounter was staged.
A crowd gathered outside the Mirpurkhas DIG and SSP's office to celebrate Dr. Kunbhar’s death, with police officers being hailed as heroes for their actions. Videos that surfaced on social media depicted the officers receiving praise, sparking outrage and condemnation from liberal, secular, and human rights activists across various platforms.
In response, the Sindh government established an inquiry committee and suspended the Mirpurkhas DIG, SSP, and other involved police officers.
He emphasized that the Sindh government would pursue legal action against the implicated officers, even if the victim's family refrains from filing a formal complaint.
The inquiry committee recommended that Dr. Kunbhar’s family be encouraged to file a murder FIR, while advocating for strict disciplinary actions against all officers involved in the case.