Mob lynches foreigner over alleged blasphemy in Sialkot

Sialkot – December 3 (Online): An angry mob on Friday tortured Sri Lankan national to death and later burnt his body openly over alleged blasphemy accusations at Sialkot’s Wazirabad road.

‘Workers of private factories lynched the Sri Lankan national, Priyantha Kumara’ media reports quoted police officials as saying, as per the initial investigations.

Police said the Sri Lankan national was accused by the factory workers of “tearing down Durood Sharif”. Rumours then started circulating across the factory area and a mob started gathering in the morning, he said, adding that police were informed about the incident much later at around 12:15pm.

Prime Minister Imran Khan on Friday evening termed the incident as ‘horrific vigilant attack’ and said that he was supervising the investigations himself.

“The horrific vigilante attack on factory in Sialkot & the burning alive of Sri Lankan manager is a day of shame for Pakistan. I am overseeing the investigations & let there be no mistake all those responsible will be punished with full severity of the law. Arrests are in progress.” The premier tweeted.

Punjab Chief Minister Usman Buzdar said that culprits involved in the ‘inhumane’ murder would be brought to justice at any cost. “I am extremely shocked at the horrific Sialkot incident. I have instructed IG Police to thoroughly investigate it. No one is allowed to take law in their hands. Rest assured, individuals involved in this inhumane act will not be spared.” Usman Buzdar tweeted.

Police officials further told reporters that video footage from inside the factory, where the torture took place, has been siezed to identify the suspects, adding that efforts to make arrests were underway. “Some people have been arrested,” the official added.

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