Peshawar police arrests 17 more suspects in blasphemy lynching case

Following the tragic incident of a man accused of blasphemy being brutally killed by a violent mob in Swat, the Peshawar police, in collaboration with the Counter Terrorism Department (CTD) and Special Branch, have apprehended seventeen more individuals connected to the case. This brings the total number of detainees to 23, as part of the ongoing investigation to bring those responsible to justice.

The arrests were carried out in various tehsils of Swat, where the mob not only beat the accused man to death but also set a police station on fire and injured eight policemen. Disturbing videos of the incident circulated on social media, showing the mob dragging the victim's body through the streets before setting it ablaze.

In response to the public outcry, a Joint Investigation Team (JIT) comprising officials from the CTD, Special Branch, and senior police officers has been formed to delve into the matter. The JIT, led by the Malakand Division Deputy Inspector General (DIG) of Police, aims to identify the approximately 2,000 individuals involved in the incident using cellular data and the National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA).

Preliminary reports indicate that no prominent political figures were present during the lynching. Planning and Development Minister Ahsan Iqbal condemned the horrific incident in the National Assembly, emphasizing the misuse of religion to justify acts of vigilante justice. He unequivocally stated that such actions, including post-mortem burning, are unacceptable in Islam.

The recent arrests made in connection to the blasphemy-related lynching incident in Swat shed light on the efforts being undertaken to address this heinous crime. It is crucial for society to uphold the principles of justice and rule of law, condemning acts of violence and ensuring that such atrocities are not repeated. Let us strive for a society where respect for human life and dignity prevails above all.