Not so festive: Daharki’s Hindus celebrate Diwali with a heavy heart

Ravi Kumar, a gold jeweller, has been missing for the past two weeks.

SUKKUR: The Hindu community of Daharki observed Diwali on Sunday with a heavy heart and wore black armbands as they staged a protest in front of Daharki Press Club to demand the recovery of Ravi Kumar, a local jeweller.

Kumar was kidnapped by armed men while he was on his way to Daharki from Sukkur more than two weeks ago. Despite repeated protests and sit-ins by the community, the police have failed to recover the victim.



Kumar, son of Narain Das, often visited Sukkur due to his profession. Around 16 days ago, he had travelled to Sukkur but never returned. His family lost contact with him between Sangi and Pano Akil in district Sukkur. His car was later found abandoned within the limits of Babarloi police station in district Khairpur. Though the Hindu community immediately informed the police, a case was registered only after the police officials took notice.

The protesters, led by Daharki’s Hindu Panchayat president Mukhi Namo Mal, shouted slogans against the indifference of the police as they demanded immediate recovery of Kumar. They also announced a sit-in on Rohri Bypass last Monday. Later, a delegation of the Hindu Panchayat met Sukkur DIG Sharjeel Kareem Kharal, who assured them that Kumar would be recovered within three days, after which, the community postponed their sit-in.

Talking to The Express Tribune, Mal said that Kumar was the only son of his parents and, since his kidnapping, his father has not uttered a word except to ask about Kumar’s whereabouts. Mal, who is also a close relative of Kumar, said that his kidnapping has marred the happiness of Diwali. He was hopeful that the police would make efforts for the safe recovery of Kumar. Despite repeated attempts, the Sukkur DIG was not available for comments.

Published in The Express Tribune, November 6^th,2013.