SEHWAN: A vandalism case has been registered against 300 people today (Friday) after clashes between security officials and devotees over the closure of the Lal Shahbaz Qalandar shrine in Sehwan.
According to details, devotees who had arrived from Punjab to attend the Urs turned hostile after they were prevented from entering the shrine. Some of the devotees were reportedly allowed inside the shrine to pay homage while others were forbidden to enter.
This triggered a clash between the devotees and the police. The mob also broke down barriers and set on fire several vehicles, including motorcycles. At least 16 people were reportedly injured during the clash.
Senior Superintendant of Police (SSP) Jamshoro has also ordered an inquiry into the clash. The First Information Report (FIR) has been registered against them under the following sections of the Pakistan Penal Code.
Section 295: Injuring or defiling place of worship, with intent to insult the religion of any class. Section 427: Mischief causing damage to the amount of fifty rupees. Section 324: Attempt to commit qatl-i-amd.
Section 269: Negligent act likely to spread infection of disease dangerous to life. Section 353: Assault or criminal force to deter public servant from discharge of his duty. Section 148: Rioting, armed with a deadly weapon. Section 186: Obstructing public servant in discharge of public functions.
Section 149: Every member of unlawful assembly guilty of offence committed in prosecution of a common object. Section 435: Mischief by fire or explosive substance with intent to cause damage to the amount of one hundred rupees. Section 504: Intentional insult with intent to provoke breach of the peace.
The shrine’s closure, ordered by the provincial government as a containment measure amid rising coronavirus cases in the country, coincided with the saint’s 769th annual Urs, held from the 18th to the 20th of Shabaan (April 1-3 this year).
