June 21, 2024
Staff Report
LAHORE
Salman Aziz, a resident of Sialkot, was killed by an angry mob on charges of blasphemy while visiting Swat’s Madyan area on Thursday, June 20.
Reports indicate that while the police arrested Salman following complaints from locals, an enraged mob shouted insults, dragged Salman out of the police station, subjected him to torture, and set him on fire. They also set fire to the police station.
In the videos of the incident circulating on social media, angry mobs can be seen setting fire to the police station and gathering around the burning body, shouting religious slogans.
DPO Swat Dr. Zahidullah while talking to Voicepk said, “Salman belonged to Sialkot and was staying at Skyways Hotel since June 18. Last evening, objectionable material was found in his room, which enraged the hotel staff, and they started to beat him.”
He added that in no time the word spread of him committing blasphemy. “When the police arrived at the crime scene, people were torturing him. The police took the accused into custody. Meanwhile, an angry crowd surrounded the police station”.
Dr. Zahidullah said, “All the police officials, including the SHO, tried their best to save Salman but the mob set fire to the police station and burned him alive.”
Five police personnel and 11 men were also injured in this incident.
A day after the incident on Friday, June 21, a video statement from Salman Aziz’s mother, Shaista Parveen, went viral on social media. In the video, she claims that her son had no contact with the family for one and a half years. She also mentioned that her husband died 30 years ago. “After Salman returned from Malaysia, he got married. However, differences between the couple led to their divorce.”
Salman’s mother and brother had also filed a property dispute case against him in 2022. The FIR registered in Sialkot states that Salman tortured his mother and was a drug addict. In the video, his mother reiterated that she had disowned Salman.
Voicepk contacted a police officer involved in the investigations based on allegations against Salman outlined in the 2022 FIR filed by his mother. The officer stated, “During his detention, Salman was very aggressive and would often speak loudly.”
Regarding Salman’s mental health evaluation during detention, the officer mentioned that due to his arrest on a misdemeanor charge, no medical examination was conducted, though Salman appeared mentally sound.
However, when questioned about drug addiction, the officer confirmed Salman’s drug use habits.
Voicepk also spoke to Salman’s neighbour in Sialkot, who, on the condition of anonymity, disclosed that Salman struggled with drug addiction and frequently had disputes with his family.