In Swat’s Madyan, a tragic incident unfolded where a local tourist was lynched by a violent mob over allegations of blasphemy, despite his repeated denial of desecrating the holy Quran, as detailed in an interior ministry report released on Saturday.
The report highlighted that a crucial error was made when police decided to take the accused to the police station, which ultimately escalated into fatal consequences. The mob, incensed by rumors of blasphemy, stormed the Madyan police station where the man was detained, leading to his lynching and the burning of his body.
According to eyewitnesses and local reports cited in the ministry’s findings, the incident began when the tourist discovered small pieces of Quranic pages allegedly desecrated near his room’s door. He promptly informed the hotel management, who then involved the police. Despite his denial of the allegations, the police detained him, which exacerbated tensions.
The report underscored that no senior officer was present to guide the station house officer (SHO), and the standard protocol for such situations—evacuation—was not followed. Instead, the situation deteriorated as Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan-affiliated individuals took over the police station, communicating with leaders of the group via phone.
Police attempts to control the mob included aerial firing and direct confrontation, but the absence of senior leadership on-site hindered effective intervention. The report noted that while senior officers were nearby and in communication with higher authorities, their physical presence was lacking at the critical moment to take charge of the escalating crisis.
This tragic incident has sparked outrage and renewed discussions on the need for stringent measures to prevent mob violence and protect individuals accused of blasphemy in Pakistan, highlighting significant lapses in law enforcement and the dangerous consequences of vigilante justice.
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