The first information report (FIR) has implicated almost 500 individuals for reportedly attempting to lynch a Christian man in Sargodha, Punjab, on Saturday due to alleged sacrilege of the Holy Quran.
On Saturday, hundreds of Muslims violently attacked a minority Christian settlement over blasphemy allegations, resulting in injuries to several people.
The mob attack occurred in the city of Sargodha in the Punjab province, the country’s most populous.
The FIR, registered at the Urban Area Police Station, was registered under sections 324 (attempt to commit qatl-i-amd), 186 (obstructing public servant in discharge of public functions), 353 (assault or criminal force to deter public servant from discharge of his duty), 436 (mischief by fire or explosive substance with intent to destroy house, etc), 440 (mischief committed after preparation made for causing death or hurt), 148 (rioting, armed with deadly weapon), and 149 (every member of unlawful assembly guilty of offence committed in prosecution of common object).
The complaint also invoked Section 7 (punishment for acts of terrorism) of the Anti-Terrorism Act.
It added that the size of the mob increased with time after they failed to resolve the issue through dialogue with the police. Video clips showed police personnel standing between the angry mob and private properties.
A lady officer at the site also tried to placate the protesters by addressing them through a megaphone, but they did not listen and several labourers gathered in the streets and roofs of the houses.
