Mysterious circumstances: Blasphemy accused dies in custody

The 22-year-old was taken in protective custody after being accused by Nankana Sahib residents.


Asad Kharal December 03, 2012
Mysterious circumstances: Blasphemy accused dies in custody

LAHORE: A 22-year-old youth, accused of burning a copy of the Holy Quran, died in police custody at Warburton police station on Sunday, The Express Tribune has learnt.

The youth, Nadeem, was detained without an FIR by the Nankana Sahib police seven days ago. Police say he was being kept in protective custody. He was later shifted to Warburton police station, 20km for Nankana Sahib.

Talking to The Express Tribune, Nankana Sahib district police officer (DPO) Ghulam Mubashar Maken said the youth fell severely ill while in custody at Warburton police station and subsequently died.

He said allegations against Nadeem had not been substantiated so far. He added that they were informed by a local committee of Ulema that there was no proof so far to suggest the youth had burned the Holy Quran copy. Since they had been waiting for the committee’s final decision, no case was registered against the youth, DPO Maken said.

Meanwhile, police have handed over Nadeem’s body to his heirs and initiated proceedings under section 174.

DPO Maken said Nadeem’s father Yousaf had told the police that his son was mentally unstable. He added that even after his son’s death, Yousaf was unwilling to take legal action.

Police officials also suggested that Nadeem was tortured by local resident when they allegedly discovered him burning a copy of the Holy Quran. They also suspect he may have been an addict.

Christian woman Asia Bibi, who was sentenced to death in 2010 on blasphemy charges, also belongs to Nankana Sahib.

Published in The Express Tribune, December 3rd, 2012.

Correction: An earlier version of the story incorrectly termed Nadeem a 'Christian'. The error is regretted.

COMMENTS (13)

Cautious | 11 years ago | Reply

The real crime is that nothing will be done to eliminate the outrageous Blasphemy laws nor pursue the police who likely murdered this youth.

HUM | 11 years ago | Reply

"Since they had been waiting for the committee’s final decision, no case was registered against the youth, DPO Maken said". Oh My God. No case was registered and still he was being detained. If we forget blasphemy laws for a few minutes, the unlawful holding of the person was gross violation of human rights. But then again this is Pakistani Police and law we are talking about where we let go the influential even after murders but hold the weak accountable based on hearsay.

VIEW MORE COMMENTS
Replying to X

Comments are moderated and generally will be posted if they are on-topic and not abusive.

For more information, please see our Comments FAQ