New information has emerged in the investigation of SP Adeel Akbar’s death. Police sources now suggest the senior officer may have accidentally shot himself.
The federal government has formed a high-level team to lead the official probe. SP Akbar was found with a gunshot wound in his vehicle in Islamabad on October 23.
According to an initial account given to investigators, SP Akbar asked an operator for his submachine gun. The operator first removed the magazine before handing over the weapon.
The officer then asked for the magazine and inquired about the number of bullets inside. Moments later, a gunshot was heard. The bullet struck SP Akbar in the forehead. He was pronounced dead after being rushed to the hospital.
Read: Investigation Reveals SP Adeel Akbar Was Seeking Help for Depression
Sources noted that officers of the Police Service of Pakistan (PSP) are generally not trained to handle submachine guns. Experts have determined the weapon was fired at a sharp, 65-degree angle.
A medical report dated October 20 shows the officer had recently tested positive for dengue fever. He had taken a three-day medical leave and had just returned to duty on the day of the incident.
The Islamabad Police Chief has confirmed that the officer fatally shot himself. He stated that Safe City footage shows no evidence of an external attack.
While these new details point towards a tragic accident, the high-level investigation team is continuing its work to officially determine the precise circumstances of his death.
