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UK Probe: Blast Killed Bhutto

She died from head injury caused by blast, says Scotland Yard

By Peter Fearon,  Newser Staff

Posted Feb 8, 2008 6:18 AM CST
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(Newser) – Scotland Yard detectives investigating the assassination of Pakistan opposition leader Benazir Bhutto have concluded that the cause of death was not a bullet, but the massive head injury she sustained when she was thrown by the suicide bomb blast. The findings mesh with the Pakistan government's version of the killing and were immediately rejected by skeptical Bhutto supporters, who renewed calls for a UN investigation, reports the Guardian.

The pathologist ruled out a bullet to the neck or upper body as relevant in her death, in light of  the severe head injury, "due to head impact somewhere in the escape hatch of the vehicle."  The investigation, which had access to X-rays of her skull and extensive videotapes but not an autopsy, also concluded that a single gunman, whose picture was captured at the scene, caused the explosion. Pakistan authorities have now arrested a total of four suspects in connection with the assassination. One is thought to be the brother of the suicide bomber.

Slain Pakistan opposition leader Benazir Bhutto. British detectives say she died as a result of head injuries and was not shot.(AP Photo/Shakil Adil, File)
Slain Pakistan opposition leader Benazir Bhutto. British detectives say she died as a result of head injuries and was not shot.(AP Photo/Shakil Adil, File)   (Associated Press)
A supporter of the late former Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto holds her portrait at the end of a 40 day Muslim mourning ritual in Islamabad, Pakistan, Thursday, Feb. 7, 2008. (AP Photo/Wally Santana)
A supporter of the late former Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto holds her portrait at the end of a 40 day Muslim mourning ritual in Islamabad, Pakistan, Thursday, Feb. 7, 2008. (AP Photo/Wally Santana)   (Associated Press)
Supporters of Pakistan's slain opposition leader Benazir Bhutto hold candles during a ceremony marking the end of the 40-day mourning period in Lahore, Pakistan, Thursday, Feb. 7, 2008. Authorities arrested two more suspects Thursday in the suicide attack that assassinated Bhutto, an official said. (AP Photo/Emilio Morenatti)
Supporters of Pakistan's slain opposition leader Benazir Bhutto hold candles during a ceremony marking the end of the 40-day mourning period in Lahore, Pakistan, Thursday, Feb. 7, 2008. Authorities arrested...   (Associated Press)
The aftermath of the suicide bomb attack in which Pakistan opposition leader Banazir Bhutto was killed. British detectives say she died as a result of head injuries and was not shot.
The aftermath of the suicide bomb attack in which Pakistan opposition leader Banazir Bhutto was killed. British detectives say she died as a result of head injuries and was not shot.   (Associated Press)
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Pakistan • Pervez Musharraf • suicide bomber • Benazir Bhutto • assassination • Asif Ali Zardari • Bilawal Bhutto Zardari

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