Chemical analysis sought in Ahsanabad family deaths

Police have sent samples collected from the bodies of five members of a family found dead in their Ahsanabad flat for chemical analysis as investigators continue to probe the incident. The preliminary post-mortem report has been received by the investigating officer (IO) but does not establish the cause of death, according to police. The final cause will be determined after the chemical examiner submits a report. The bodies of Dr Umar, his wife Mehwish and their three young daughters were found on Sunday, several days after their deaths, at their apartment at Lakhani Towers in Ahsanabad, Scheme 33, . The medico-legal officer at Abbasi Shaheed Hospital handed over the preliminary post-mortem report to the IO, following which samples taken from the bodies were sent for laboratory examination. Police said the samples were expected to be formally deposited at the laboratory on Wednesday. Investigators said a decision on registration of a case would be taken after the chemical examiner's report established the cause of death. Police have also recorded statements from the owner of the flat and other residents. According to police investigators, Dr Umar had been working at a private hospital in Ahsanabad but resigned after being diagnosed with kidney cancer. He was reportedly facing financial difficulties and paid Rs14,000 in monthly rent. Police said he had been unable to pay the rent for September and had also attempted to sell some household items.