Mr Patlu arrested in Islamabad after deadly Sialkot wedding stampede
The Mr Patlu arrested case follows a tragic incident at Faraz Cricket Ground on Daska Road, where two people, identified as Aqeel and Rehan, lost their lives and around 18 others were injured.
How did the Sialkot wedding stampede happen?
The Sialkot wedding stampede occurred during a prize distribution event promoted on social media. The organisers had announced several prizes, including a car, 50 motorcycles and other gifts, attracting a large crowd to the venue.
According to preliminary police findings, a loudspeaker announcement reportedly asked attendees to enter the venue at the same time. This allegedly triggered a rush, resulting in people falling and being crushed in the crowd.
One of the injured victims, Rehan, reportedly died after being transferred to Lahore for medical treatment.
Case registered against nine named suspects
Police registered a case at Motra Police Station against nine named suspects and 40 to 45 unidentified security guards. The suspects include Ansar Mehmood, his brother Kashif, venue owner Haji Shahid Javed and several other individuals.
The Mr Patlu arrested development comes as police continue investigating the incident and the responsibilities of those involved in organising the gathering.
DPO Dost Muhammad had earlier confirmed that six people linked to event management had been arrested, while efforts were underway to trace the remaining suspects.
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Event permission cancelled before gathering
Authorities said permission had initially been granted for a private gathering at an enclosed venue, with devotional music allowed after Isha.
However, reports of possible violations emerged around 4pm. Deputy Commissioner Awais Mushtaq subsequently cancelled the NOC before the event began.
The gathering also caused traffic disruption on Daska-Sialkot Road. Reports of damaged property and missing mobile phones, cash and documents also emerged. Police seized the car and 50 motorcycles that had been announced as prizes.
Mr Patlu denies responsibility
In a video statement, Mr Patlu denied responsibility for the Sialkot wedding stampede and claimed he was not present at the venue when the incident occurred.
He said a back injury had affected his mobility and that he was at a hospital at the time. He also claimed that he had obtained permission for the event and said he would appear before authorities when his health improved.
The TikToker appealed to Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz and Field Marshal Asim Munir, while the police complaint reportedly links him to the announcement that allegedly triggered the rush.
