KARACHI – Mir Raza murder investigation has taken another dramatic turn as investigators dig into late businessman’s financial dealings, his business partner, Ahmed appeared in court, sought interim bail and been ordered to remain in the city while the probe continues.
Investigators are tracing more than Rs50 million allegedly borrowed from 10 individuals, adding a new financial dimension to the case.
Ahmed, who has come under scrutiny during the investigation, appeared before the Additional District and Sessions Judge at City Court along with his lawyer, Advocate Khalid Mumtaz. His counsel told the court that his client had allegedly been harassed by police officials, prompting him to seek interim bail. The Sessions Court granted him interim bail against a surety of Rs100,000.
Mumtaz said his client appeared voluntarily to become part of the judicial proceedings and place his position on record. He alleged that Bharde had faced harassment from the former investigating officer and claimed that, instead of being summoned to the police station, his client had been called to the crime scene.
The complainant’s lawyer, Jibran Nasir, rejected the allegation of police harassment, arguing that questioning people connected with the case was a routine part of the investigation. He told the court that investigators had already summoned more than 35 witnesses and other individuals for questioning.
Nasir cautioned that granting bail at this stage could prompt other people associated with the case to approach the court seeking similar relief.
The court itself questioned the defence over the bail request, pointing out that Bharde had not been formally declared an accused. The judge asked his lawyer to consider whether there was a need to continue with the bail application or withdraw it.
Despite the dispute over bail, the court imposed a clear condition on Bharde: he must cooperate with the investigation and cannot leave the city while the inquiry continues. The man assured the court that he would appear before police whenever summoned.
The court recorded his appearance and interim bail and adjourned further proceedings until August 24. His lawyer will make a final decision at the next hearing on whether to pursue the bail application or withdraw it.
Rs5 Crore financial trail underway
While the court proceedings have brought fresh attention to Bharde’s position, investigators have simultaneously opened a new financial angle in the murder probe.
According to investigative sources, authorities have identified 10 individuals who allegedly lent Mir Raza more than Rs50 million in total. Investigators have compiled a list of the lenders and the amounts they allegedly provided and now plan to question them as part of the inquiry into Raza’s financial affairs.
Sources said Raza had reportedly borrowed more than Rs17.5 million from a man identified as Abid. Another lender, identified as Moni, allegedly provided Rs500,000.
The remaining lenders are also being brought into the investigation as authorities attempt to establish the full extent of Raza’s outstanding financial obligations and determine whether his financial dealings could provide any clues relevant to the murder.
