Nankana Sahib, Pakistan – In response to the recent lynching of an individual accused of blasphemy, the police in Nankana Sahib have arrested 12 suspects on Sunday. The suspects were identified through the examination of videos related to the incident, according to a statement from the Punjab police.
On Saturday, a mob of hundreds attacked a man who was being held at the Warburton Police Station for alleged blasphemy. Despite efforts from Station House Officer Feroze Bhatti and other police personnel, they were unable to stop the violent act and were forced to flee for their own safety.
The tragedy gained the attention of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif who took notice of the incident after videos circulated on social media. In a statement, the Prime Minister condemned the actions of the mob and emphasized that no one has the right to take the law into their own hands.
In response to the event, Punjab Inspector General of Police Dr. Usman Anwar suspended two senior police officers for their failure to prevent the violence. The police statement indicated that Nankana Sahib Circle Deputy Superintendent of Police Nawaz Waraq and Warburton Station House Officer Feroz Bhatti were both suspended.
Additionally, the IGP has ordered an inquiry by the Internal Accountability Branch Deputy Inspector General Syed Muhammad Amin Bukhari and the Special Branch Deputy Inspector General Raja Faisal. The IGP emphasized that strict departmental and legal action will be taken against those responsible for the incident.
