Attack on Hindu temple in RYK: CJP orders immediate arrest of accused

According to details, a two-member bench of the Supreme Court (SC) headed by Chief Justice Gulzar Ahmed heard the suo moto case in connection with Rahim Yar Khan temple attack.

During proceedings, Insepctor General Police (IGP) Punjab in Inam Ghani, Chief Secretary Punjab and Additional Attorney General appeared before the court.

Chief Justice while reprimanding IG Punjab and Chief Secretary said asked that where were the administration and police when a charged mob was attacking the temple.

Punjab police chief told the court that the Assistant Commissioner (AC) and Assistant Superintendent Police (ASP) were present on the scene and administration's priority was to protect 70 Hindu houses located around the temple.

“Commissioner, Deputy Commissioner and District Police Officer (DPO) should be removed from office if they cannot work,” said CJP following which Inam Ghani informed the court that terrorism provisions have been imposed in the case.

CJP Gulzar further stated that the incident damaged Pakistan’s repute worldwide and police did nothing but to be a spectator.

“The whole incident happened because of an 8-year-old child. What does an 8-year-old child know about religion?” CJP remarked.

Speaking during proceedings, Justice Qazi Amin asked the IG Punjab whether any arrest has been made in the case to which Inam Ghani told the court that no arrest has been made so far.

Justice Qazi Amin further remarked that the police failed to perform its duty, while Justice Gulzar Ahmed said that three days have passed since the incident and not a single person has been arrested.

Speaking on occassion, Additional Attorney General Sohail Mehmood said that Prime Minister Imran Khan has also taken notice of the matter, to which Chief Justice replied that PM should continue his work while the court will look into legal aspect of case.

“Just imagine what would have been the reaction of the Muslims if a mosque had been demolished,” CJP remarked.

The Supreme Court directed the Chief Secretary and IG Punjab to take action against those involved in the incident and said that the accused should be arrested immediately and money should be recovered from the accused for the repair and restoration of the temple.

The court, while seeking a report from Chief Secretary and IG Punjab on the action taken against the accused, adjourned the hearing till August 13 and ordered that peace committees be set up for religious harmony in Punjab.

The apex court also ordered action against those who instigated the incident saying that the culprits could create problems for the Hindu community in furture.

On the other hand, three cases have been registered against more than 150 accused for vandalizing a temple and blocking a motorway in Bhong area of ​​Rahim Yar Khan.

PM takes notice of mob vandalizing Hindu temple

Earlier yesterday, Prime Minister Imran Khan Thursday took notice of the incident in Rahim Yar Khan district, directing the Punjab police chief to ensure arrest of all culprits and take action against any police negligence.

"The government will restore the Mandir," the premier said in a tweet.

What happened in Rahim Yar Khan?

Hundreds of people vandalized the Hindu temple in Bhong and blocked the Sukkur-Multan Motorway (M-5) after an 8-year old Hindu boy, who allegedly urinated in a local seminary, was granted bail by a local court.

The case had been registered against the boy on the complaint of a cleric, Hafiz Muhammad Ibrahim, of Darul Uloom Arabia Taleemul Quran, under Section 295-A (deliberate and malicious acts intended to outrage religious feelings of any class by insulting its religion or religious beliefs) of the Pakistan Penal Code on July 25.

As per local media, Hindu elders had also tendered an apology to the seminary administration, saying that the boy was minor and mentally challenged.