Police investigating the deaths of Dr Umar and his family in Karachi’s Ahsanabad are examining financial difficulties, a reported property dispute, family relations and a phone call made days before the bodies were found.
A police investigation into the deaths of a doctor and his family in Karachi’s Ahsanabad area has brought several previously unknown aspects of their lives under scrutiny, including financial hardship, an alleged family property dispute and a phone call made days before the bodies were discovered.
Dr Umar was found dead inside his home along with his wife and children several days ago. During the initial investigation, police questioned neighbours and reportedly learned the names and details of the children through them.
According to statements recorded by police, neighbours said Dr Umar’s wife had been teaching the children at home because the family was struggling to afford school fees.
The area’s Station House Officer, Chaudhry Nawaz, said investigators had also received information about a long-running property dispute involving Dr Umar, his brother and other family members at their ancestral home. According to the information gathered by police, Dr Umar allegedly did not receive a share in the property and later distanced himself from the family to avoid further conflict.
Police were also told that Dr Umar’s wife and the wife of his brother, Abu Bakr, were sisters.
Investigators have also examined the family’s response after the deaths were reported. Police officials said Abu Bakr was contacted to inform him about Dr Umar’s death. The family later opted for the burials to take place in Karachi rather than transporting the bodies to their ancestral village.
Another development in the investigation emerged from Dr Umar’s call data record. Police found a phone call made around 10 days before the family was discovered dead. Investigators traced the number to a labourer residing in District West and have summoned him to record his statement.
Police, however, say no final conclusion can yet be drawn regarding whether the deaths were the result of homicide, suicide or another cause. Investigators are awaiting the post-mortem and forensic findings before determining the circumstances surrounding the deaths.
Questions had also been raised about whether the main door of the house had been locked from inside or outside. Police clarified that the door had two latches and was locked from the inside. Officials said that although video footage may create the impression that the door was secured externally, the investigation so far indicates that it was locked from within.
The post-mortem findings are now expected to play a crucial role in determining the cause and manner of death and in guiding the next stage of the investigation۔