MARDAN: A Sikh couple was shot dead after an unidentified gunman opened fire inside a gurdwara in Mardan, prompting police to launch a large-scale search operation to trace the attacker. The tragic incident was reported on Wednesday.
According to police, the incident occurred near Khwaja Ganj Bazar in the Babu Mohalla Gurdwara area. The armed assailant allegedly entered the place of worship and opened fire before fleeing the scene.
The victims were identified as Jagannath, the administrator of the gurdwara, and his wife. Both sustained fatal gunshot wounds and died at the scene.
A heavy police contingent reached the area shortly after the attack. Officers secured the crime scene and began collecting forensic evidence to determine the motive behind the shooting.
Meanwhile, investigators launched a search operation to identify and arrest the suspect. Police said multiple teams are working to trace the attacker and examine all available evidence, including eyewitness accounts and other leads.
Furthermore, authorities have registered a case at the Counter Terrorism Department (CTD) Police Station against unidentified suspects. The First Information Report (FIR) includes charges of murder and terrorism.
The FIR was lodged on the complaint of the brother-in-law of the slain gurdwara administrator, Jagannath. Police said the investigation will focus on identifying those involved and establishing the circumstances that led to the deadly attack.
Security has also been tightened in and around the area following the incident. Law enforcement officials are monitoring the situation to prevent any further unrest.
The killing of the Sikh couple has raised concerns about the safety of religious minorities and the security of places of worship. Authorities have assured the public that every effort is being made to apprehend the suspect and bring those responsible to justice.
Police said the investigation remains underway, and further details will be shared as more evidence becomes available.
