KARACHI: Sindh government recommended that Sindh High Court (SHC) launch judicial inquiry into killing of Dr Shahnawaz Kumbhar, blasphemy suspect shot dead and whose body was desecrated, triggering widespread outcry by rights groups.

Dr Shahnawaz, accused of sharing blasphemous posts on social media, was shot dead during gun battle with police in Mirpurkhas on September 19, authorities said. On September 26, Sindh Home Minister Ziaul Hassan Lanjar presented findings of an inquiry into killing of doctor, saying probe found that police “Staged encounter”. In its letter to SHC, Sindh Home Department said, “It has now become imperative that [a] judicial inquiry may be conducted into subject matter incident in order to ascertain real facts and fix responsibility on delinquent police officers/officials and individuals in interest of justice.” Letter said that committee constituted by Sindh Inspector General of Police found that “Police encounter” in which Dr Shahnawaz was killed was staged. Home Department urged SHC to launch judicial inquiry under serving high court judge.