Elderly Sikh Couple Killed in Mardan Gurdwara Attack
MARDAN: An elderly Sikh couple, who served as caretakers of a Gurdwara, was fatally shot inside the place of worship located in the congested Babu Mohalla Khawaja Ganj Bazaar area, under the jurisdiction of Hoti police station, according to police sources.
Unknown assailants entered the Gurdwara and opened fire, killing 70-year-old Jagannath and his wife instantly. The attackers fled the scene after committing the crime. Rescue 1122 officials transported the bodies to the district headquarters hospital (DHQ).
Sources revealed that a police guard had been assigned for the Gurdwara’s security, but the personnel were not present at the time of the incident. Additionally, CCTV cameras were installed, but the digital video recorder (DVR) was malfunctioning.
District Police Officer (DPO) Mardan Masood Ahmed, SSP Investigation Maria Mustafa, ASP City, SHO Hoti, and other senior officers visited the crime scene, collected evidence, and reviewed the incident. Police officials stated that investigations are ongoing from all angles, and special teams have been formed to arrest the perpetrators. DPO Mardan also visited DHQ Hospital to gather information and issued instructions to expedite the investigation.
On the complaint of Amarjeeth Lal, the victim’s brother, the Counter Terrorism Department (CTD) registered a case under sections 302, 449, 7ATA, and 295 against unknown suspects and initiated a thorough investigation.
