A Sri Lankan citizen, working as a manager at a local factory in Sialkot, was tortured to death by a mob over alleged blasphemy and the body was set on fire later on.
According to initial reports, the unfortunate incident took place on Wazirabad Road, Sialkot on Friday. The foreign national Priyanth Kumara was attacked by the workers of a private factory because he was accused of “tearing down Durood Sharif,” according to the police.
The deceased was working as the operational manager of the factory for the last seven years. Police claimed that the incident took place inside the factory premises and there was no way of knowing about it before that time.
“The police did try to stop the mob from setting the body on fire, but the rioters’ strength was overwhelming,” a police official told the press, adding that “some people have been arrested.”
The factory was located on Sambrial Road and people from neighboring areas also joined the mob in the lynching, said the police. The victim was tortured to death and his body was ready to be burnt when the police arrived at the scene.
Prime Minister Imran Khan said that the “horrific, vigilante attack” on the factory and the burning of the Sri Lankan man’s body “was a day of shame for Pakistan”.
“I am overseeing the investigations and, let there be no mistake, all those responsible will be punished with the full severity of the law. Arrests are in progress,” he said.
The Chief Minister Punjab, Usman Buzdar took notice of the lynching and directed the police to submit an inquiry report over the matter as he called this a “very tragic incident”.
“Every aspect of the incident should be investigated and a report should be submitted,” Buzdar reportedly said, adding, “Action should be taken against those who take the law into their own hands.”