Sialkot lynching: Punjab forensic agency examines 34 prime suspects
Posted on December 9th, 2021
SAMAA | Samaa Web Desk
Results will be available within a few days
The Punjab Forensic Science Agency has conducted a photogrammetric test of 34 prime suspects arrested for lynching Sri Lankan national Priyantha Kumara over alleged blasphemy in Sialkot on December 3.
So far, 139 people have been arrested by the police. The anti-terrorism court on Wednesday remanded the accused into police custody for 15 days.
According to the police, the 34 prime suspects were brought to the Punjab Forensic Science Agency for the photogrammetric test. The forensic examination was conducted of the suspects’ faces from the videos obtained from the attack.
The photogrammetric test is a forensic technique that is useful to have an accurate 3D reconstruction of a crime scene, especially in cases where position, distance and perspective are important. It extracts measurements from photographs.
The authorities said that results will be available within a few days and will be used in investigations and challan (police investigation report).
Priyantha was attacked by a mob that beat up, murdered, and then burnt his body on the Wazirabad Road.
The Sialkot District Police Officer (DPO) said that Punjab Chief Minister Usman Buzdar is overseeing the case and investigations himself.
‘No more misuse of religion’
On Tuesday, a ceremony was held in the Prime Minister Office to express solidarity with the family of Priyantha Kumara and to appreciate the courage of Malik Adnan who tried to shield Priyantha by putting his own life on the line.
Addressing the ceremony, the premier said, I have decided that from now on if anyone uses the religion, especially in the name of Rehmatul-lil-Alameen Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) to commit injustice, we will not spare them.”
People from all walks of life have condemned the incident and demanded strict punishment for the culprits.
Sri Lanka-Pakistan ties
On December 6, Sri Lankan High Commissioner in Pakistan Vice Admiral Mohan Wijewickrama condemned the incident and said that he was satisfied with Pakistan’s response to the killing. The incident won’t affect friendly ties between the two countries.”
We are very sure that the incident itself was not targeting our country, our religion, or our race. It was an incident in isolation.”
Sialkot chamber
On the other hand, the Sialkot Chamber of Commerce and Industry has raised $100,000 for the family of Priyantha Kumara.
The incident has shaken us and we can’t condemn it enough,” said Qasim Malik, president of the chamber, in an exclusive interview to SAMAA TV.
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Along with the amount, the business community has decided to continue paying Priyantha’s monthly salary to his family.