Six more held over Khanewal lynching

At least 102 suspects have been detained so far

LAHORE:

Punjab police have arrested six more primary accused involved in the lynching of a mentally challenged man in Mian Channu, Khanewal, over allegations of desecrating the Holy Quran.

In a statement, the police said at least 21 prime suspects have been detained so far after investigation and identification. The total number of arrests has reached 102 in the case. The six suspects arrested under terrorism charges today include Sadabahar, Matloob, Rafaqat, Ansar Hussain, Ansar Hussain and Muhammad Shafiq.

A spokesperson for the police said the accused provoked the mob and tortured the deceased with sticks and bricks. “Police are using available footage and evidence to identify more suspects,” the statement added.

A day earlier, Prime Minister Imran Khan vowed the culprits involved in the lynching would be "dealt with [the] full severity of the law" along with police officials who had "failed in their duty".

Read: Buzdar pledges justice in lynching case

The tweet by the premier came a day after a mob brutally lynched the mentally challenged man in Mian Channu city of Khanewal district. His body was later hung from a tree whereas the police allegedly played the role of silent spectators.

In an initial report submitted to Chief Minister Usman Buzdar on Sunday, Punjab IG Rao Sardar said a terrorism case was registered against 300 unidentified suspects, whereas 33 people were nominated in the case as well.

Additional Prosecutor General Punjab Khurram Khan has constituted a two-member prosecution committee to guide investigating officers in securing evidences in the mob lynching incident in Tulamba.

The prosecution committee comprising Deputy Prosecutor General Arshid Leghari and Deputy District Prosecutor Khanewal Muhammad Azam, will also pursue the case in the Anti- Terrorism Court Multan.

Published in The Express Tribune, February 15^th, 2022.