Blasphemy
SARGODHA: In Punjab’s Sargodha district, the arrest of at least 25 individuals ensued on Saturday following an outburst of violence where a member of the Christian community was subjected to torture by an enraged mob over an alleged desecration incident, as reported by police.
According to the sources, the situation escalated when enraged individuals attacked the man’s residence in the Mujahid Colony area, causing damage to his property and setting ablaze a shoe factory housed within.
Additional acts of vandalism included burning tires and damaging electricity infrastructure in the vicinity.
Upon receiving the distressing information, a substantial police force encircled the area, swiftly evacuating the accused and his family to an undisclosed location for their safety.
District Police Officer (DPO) Asad Aijaz and Regional Police Officer (RPO) Sharik Kamal Siddiqui were on-site to quell the unrest. Police resorted to tear gas shelling to disperse the mob and detained at least 25 individuals allegedly implicated in the riots.
Authorities assured that the situation had been brought under control and emphasized a zero-tolerance policy towards vigilantism.
RPO Siddiqui underscored that upon the completion of investigations into the blasphemy allegations, legal proceedings would be initiated against those found culpable.
Sargodha Division Commissioner Muhammad Ajmal Bhatti vowed transparent inquiry into the incident and reiterated a commitment to ensuring justice for all parties involved.
However, he dispelled rumors circulating on social media regarding fatalities, confirming only one person sustained injuries, and their condition was stable, with imminent discharge from the hospital.
The Punjab home secretary affirmed a stern stance against religiously motivated violence, promising swift action post-inquiry.
Earlier, the RPO disclosed that the mob had targeted the police unit with stones before being dispersed.
Expressing apprehensions, the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) called upon Punjab authorities to swiftly restore order and prosecute the perpetrators.
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