Superintendent of Police (Industrial Area) Adeel Akbar died on Thursday after sustaining a gunshot wound while on duty at Serena Hotel.
Initial reports said he grabbed his operator’s weapon and shot himself.
However, highly placed sources in Islamabad Police say the suicide “appears about 80 percent accidental,” with all possibilities still under investigation.
According to the sources, minutes before the shooting Adeel was headed to discuss a promotion. Furthermore, he was also preparing for a Fulbright test the next day and had sent his degree for verification.
His demeanour was normal, including a routine call with the Assistant Commissioner (Saddar).
Therefore it is highly unlikely that he would commit a suicide.
When handed the SMG, he performed a normal safety check to confirm an empty chamber, then tried to fit magazines while holding the weapon forward.
Ballistics indicate an entry wound between the eyebrows with an estimated 65 degree downward trajectory.
The sources added that suicides involving an SMG are rare and typically involve a shot fired from under the chin.
Moreover, Police detained the operator for questioning, began retrieving phone data, and opened a formal inquiry.
IG Islamabad Syed Ali Nasir Rizvi visited PIMS Hospital after SP Adeel Akbar was brought in critical condition; the officer later succumbed to his injuries.
Moreover, funeral prayers for SP Adeel Akbar were offered at Police Lines.
Minister of State for Interior Talal Chaudhry, officials from police and other law enforcement agencies, and a large number of civilians attended. After the prayers, the body was sent to his ancestral village with official honours.
