Vandal of Col Sher Khan statue arrested in Mardan

Arrest was made with assistance of video evidence and dedicated efforts of investigative agencies, say police

PESHAWAR:

In a significant breakthrough, the Mardan Police conducted a major operation resulting in the successful arrest of the accused responsible for vandalising the statue of Colonel Sher Khan Shaheed during violent protests that erupted following the arrest of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) chief Imran Khan on May 9.

The accused, identified as Rehmatullah, was apprehended from the Gujargarhi area in Mardan. The arrest was made possible with the assistance of video evidence and the dedicated efforts of investigative agencies, said police in a statement.

Rehmatullah was reportedly captured on camera while committing the act of vandalism, which played a crucial role in tracking him down.

Also read: ‘Orchestrated’ May 9 vandalism will never be allowed again: COAS

The incident of statue desecration took place outside the Punjab Regiment Center, located in Mardan. The act of destruction not only outraged the local community but also drew widespread condemnation from citizens across the country.

Colonel Sher Khan, a renowned military officer and recipient of Pakistan's highest military honour, the Nishan-e-Haider, is revered as a national hero.

The arrest of the accused has been hailed as a significant achievement by law enforcement authorities, who have been under immense pressure to bring the perpetrators to justice.