Blasphemy allegations: Mob torches factory in Jhelum

Mob attacked the factory after accusing one person who worked there of committing blasphemy, sources say

LAHORE:

An angry mob set ablaze a factory owned by members of the Ahmadiyya community in Jhelum on Friday.

According to sources, the mob attacked the factory after accusing one person who worked there of committing blasphemy.

Heavy contingents of Police including the DPO reached the scene, firing rubber bullets to disperse the enraged mob.

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Heavy contingents of Police including the DPO reached the scene, firing rubber bullets to disperse the enraged mob.

— Punjab 2013-18 (@Punjab13to18) November 20, 2015

Many workers fled the factory complex, which contains a residential area, with their families, sources said. But some workers were reportedly still inside the factory when it was set on fire.

The mob, meanwhile, continued to block GT Road in protest. Police were unable to disperse the protesters despite using tear gas and Rangers had to be called in for support.

Jehlum Rangers have also been called in for further support. One person has been taken into custody. Conveyed to CCR.

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Jehlum Rangers have also been called in for further support. One person has been taken into custody. Conveyed to CCR.

— Punjab 2013-18 (@Punjab13to18) November 20, 2015

The police did, however, arrest three members of the community.

Talking to The Express Tribune, a Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya spokesperson said three Ahmadis were arrested without reason. The spokesman added that he wasn’t sure as to whether those trapped inside the factory had been rescued.

Jhelum DPO Mujahid Akbar Khan was unavailable for comment despite several attempts to reach him.