Mr Patlu’s mehndi turns deadly as stampede kills one, injures 14

A wedding celebration organised by popular TikToker Mr Patlu turned tragic in Sialkot after a stampede at his mehndi ceremony left one man dead and at least 14 others injured.

The incident occurred at Faraz Cricket Ground on Daska Road, where a large crowd had gathered to attend the ceremony of Muhammad Ansar Jatt, widely known as Mr Patlu. The event also featured a prize draw offering motorcycles and a car, attracting visitors from different parts of Punjab.

According to police and rescue officials, the situation spiralled out of control when the venue’s gates were opened to allow people inside. Attendees rushed towards the entrance simultaneously, triggering a stampede in which several people fell and were trampled.

Rescue 1122 teams and police personnel reached the scene and launched an emergency operation. The injured were shifted to Allama Iqbal Memorial Teaching Hospital for treatment.

Rescue officials identified the deceased as 30-year-old Muhammad Aqeel, who died while being transported to hospital due to his critical condition. Most of the other injured people received first aid and were discharged, while some remained under medical care.

Although police and rescue officials initially reported 14 injured, two local residents claimed that more than 40 people had been hurt, saying some victims were taken to private hospitals before emergency teams arrived. The higher figure had not been officially confirmed.

Sialkot District Emergency Officer Engineer Naveed Iqbal said Rescue 1122 had not been informed in advance about the large gathering. Four ambulances and a motorcycle ambulance took part in the response.

District Police Officer Dost Muhammad also reached the venue with a police contingent. He criticised the organisers for opening the gates ahead of schedule and said authorities would examine the incident and take appropriate legal action.

The tragedy has raised questions about crowd management and safety arrangements at large public gatherings, particularly events attracting large numbers of people through prize announcements.