Mr Patlo Mehndi stampede: death toll reaches two, six arrested as main accused remains at large

The deadly stampede at the mehndi ceremony of TikToker Ansar Mehmood Jatt, popularly known as Mr Patlo or Mr Patla, has taken a new turn,

SIALKOT/DASKA:  The deadly stampede at the mehndi ceremony of TikToker Ansar Mehmood Jatt, popularly known as Mr Patlo or Mr Patla, has taken a new turn, with the death toll rising to two, six people arrested and the main accused still evading police custody.

The incident has also attracted international attention, with foreign media outlets, including Britain’s The Sun and Arab News, reporting on the tragedy and its aftermath.

Two Confirmed Deaths, 18 Injured

Police and hospital authorities have confirmed that two people lost their lives in the stampede at the wedding event.

The first victim was identified as 30-year-old Muhammad Aqeel, a resident of Budha Goraya in Daska, who died while being transported to hospital after being crushed in the rush.

The second deceased, 22-year-old Rehan Arshad, belonged to Glotian Morr in Sialkot. He sustained critical injuries and was shifted to Lahore for further treatment but later succumbed to his injuries.

SHO Motra Police Station Mubeen Ahmed confirmed both fatalities. Eighteen other people were also injured during the incident, although several have reportedly been discharged after receiving medical assistance.

FIR Registered Against Organisers

A case was registered at Motra Police Station on October 31, naming nine individuals and identifying approximately 40 to 45 unidentified security guards as accused.

The nominated suspects include TikToker Muhammad Ansar Jatt alias Mr Patlo, his brother Kashif, the venue owner Haji Shahid Javed, also identified as Malik Faraz, and six other event organisers.

The FIR includes several provisions of the Pakistan Penal Code, including Sections 322, 431, 440, 188, 109, 148 and 149, along with Section 16 of the Maintenance of Public Order Ordinance.

Six Arrested, Main TikToker Still Missing

According to Sialkot District Police Officer Captain (Retired) Dost Muhammad, police have arrested six individuals allegedly involved in managing the event.

During the investigation, police also seized 50 motorcycles and a car that had reportedly been brought to the venue for a lucky draw.

However, the main accused, Mr Patlo, remains at large. Police officials said he fled following the incident. Special teams have been constituted to trace and arrest him through modern technology, intelligence-based information and conventional investigation methods.

Raids are continuing as part of Operation Pendra to apprehend the remaining suspects.

Administration Reveals NOC Cancellation

The district administration has also clarified its position regarding permission for the event.

According to a spokesperson, the organisers had initially received a no-objection certificate (NOC) for holding a private Mehfil-e-Sama inside an enclosed room at Faraz Sports Stadium after Isha prayers.

However, on October 31, at around 4pm, the administration received reports through social media about a large public gathering and the use of loudspeakers. Deputy Commissioner Awais Mushtaq subsequently cancelled the NOC, but the organisers allegedly continued with the event despite the withdrawal of permission.

Rescue 1122 District Emergency Officer Engineer Naveed Iqbal also confirmed that his department had not been informed in advance about the large gathering.

Public Anger After Tragedy

Following the incident, an angry crowd reportedly attacked Mr Patlo’s residence with stones, blocked the main Daska-Sialkot road and damaged property.

Police have vowed strict action against everyone responsible for putting public lives at risk, assuring that all individuals found involved will be brought before the law.