Around 500 suspects have been identified in the first information report (FIR) for allegedly attempting to lynch a Christian man in Punjab’s Sargodha over accusations of desecrating the Holy Quran on Saturday.
The FIR, lodged at the Urban Area Police Station, includes charges under sections 324 (attempt to commit qatl-i-amd), 186 (obstructing a public servant in the discharge of public functions), 353 (assault or criminal force to deter a public servant from duty), 436 (mischief by fire or explosive substance with intent to destroy house, etc.), 440 (mischief committed after preparation made for causing death or hurt), 148 (rioting, armed with a deadly weapon), and 149 (every member of an unlawful assembly guilty of an offense committed in prosecution of common object).
The complaint also cited Section 7 (punishment for acts of terrorism) of the Anti-Terrorism Act.
The report mentioned that the mob size grew over time after failing to resolve the issue through dialogue with the police. Video clips depicted police officers standing between the enraged crowd and private properties.
The incident occurred in the city’s Mujahid Colony area, with the mob wielding batons, bricks, and stones.
A female officer on the scene attempted to calm the protesters using a megaphone, but her efforts were in vain as numerous laborers gathered in the streets and on the rooftops.
The mob, initially around 100 people, swelled to 400, and subsequently set fire to a shoe factory owned by the victim.
The report noted that the mob also hurled stones at the ambulance transporting the victim to the hospital, shattering its windows.
It added that mobile recordings and video footage would be utilized in the investigation.
