ISLAMABAD: The Supreme Court of Pakistan (SCP) on Friday ordered to immediately arrest the perpetrators responsible for vandalizing a Hindu temple in Bhong town of Rahim Yar Khan.
The apex court heard a suo moto notice taken by Chief Justice of Pakistan Gulzar Ahmed against the ransacking of a temple of Hindu community by an enraged mob.
The court strongly reprimanded the police SHO for arresting an eight-year-old child and instructed to remove him from his post. “What does an eight-year-old know of the religion,” the Chief Justice asked.
He said those who incited the violence must also be held accountable. The apex court has ordered the authorities to pay for the rehabilitation of the temple from the accused who ransacked the place of worship.
The court instructed to ensure that such violence is never repeated against the Hindu community as miscreants pose a threat and direcred to ensure complete protection of the minority community.
The court rejected a progress report by Rahim Yar Khan commissioner and ordered Punjab Inspector General (IGP) and the chief secretary to furnish a report within a week. It also ordered the formation of a village committee to oversee peace in the region.
A day ago, Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Justice Gulzar Ahmed had taken suo moto notice of the matter and arraigned the hearing. The Ministry of Human Rights said it was in contact with police to ensure action is taken against the culprits,
Hindu temple ransacked
A Hindu temple was vandalized by an enraged mob in Bhong town. Hundreds of people reportedly ransacked a Hindu temple id blocked the Sukkur-Multan Motorway after a nine-year-old Hindu boy, who allegedly urinated in a local seminary, was granted bail by a local court.
A local cleric had filed a complaint after the Bhong police had registered a case against the minor boy under section 295-A of the Pakistan Penal Code on July 24.
Several elders of the Hindu had tendered an apology to the seminary administration saying the accused was a minor and mentally challenged. After a lower court granted him bail a few days ago, a mob incited the public and forced them to close shops in protest.
A video clip of the incident went viral on social media showing a charged mob wielding clubs and rods storming the temple and smashing its glass doors, windows, lights, and damaging the ceiling fans.
Special Representative to the Prime Minister on Religious Harmony Maulana Tahir Ashraf condemned the vandalism at the temple and vowed that the culprits will soon be brought to justice.
He said the district administration has been directed to investigate the incident and take legal action against those involved in it. He said no individual, group or party can be allowed to spread anarchy. He added the protection of religious minorities is the responsibility of the state.
