The death of well-known Sindhi poet Dr Akash Ansari, also known as Allah Bux, has raised concerns about foul play. Initial investigations suggest someone murdered him before setting his body on fire.
Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Dr Farrukh Lanjar revealed on Sunday that the preliminary findings indicated the poet’s death was not accidental.
Allah Bux, 69, died on Saturday after a fire broke out in his house in Citizen Colony, Hyderabad. Dr Lanjar explained that investigations showed Dr Akash was killed before the fire occurred. He confirmed that doctors supported this conclusion, further dismissing the possibility of an accident. Authorities are awaiting an autopsy report for additional details, and investigations are ongoing.
Police have focused on Dr Akash’s foster son as a potential suspect, citing past issues between them. Latif Akash, the poet’s foster son, has been taken into custody along with the poet’s driver. Both are under suspicion, and the police are investigating their potential involvement in the poet’s murder.
Dr Akash’s cousin, Jan Mohammad Ansari, disclosed that the poet had filed an FIR against his foster son in 2024, accusing him of attempted murder. He also alleged that Latif had threatened the poet’s life and had a history of substance abuse. The poet’s family is now considering taking legal action following these developments.
Additionally, Dr Ilmuddin Ansari, a close friend of the poet, mentioned that the post-mortem examination revealed signs of torture, raising further doubts about the cause of death. Latif had initially claimed that the fire broke out while Dr Akash was sleeping around 8:30 am.
After the incident, Dr Akash’s family attempted to bury his body in Badin, but authorities requested they bring the body to Liaquat University Hospital in Hyderabad for the autopsy.
Read: Sindhi Poet Dr. Akash Ansari Dies in House Fire
The police initially speculated that a short circuit might have caused the fire, adding that Latif was at home when the incident occurred and had sought help from rescue officers and neighbours. However, the investigation continues.
The Sindh Chief Minister, Syed Murad Ali Shah, has ordered a comprehensive investigation. Following his directives, the Hyderabad SSP has formed a five-member investigative team, led by Headquarters SP Masood Iqbal, to look into the poet’s death.
