TikToker Mr Patlu arrested in Daska stampede case that killed two labourers

Sialkot Police have arrested TikToker Ansar Mahmood widely known as Mr Patlu, in connection with a separate case involving alleged threats to the family of a victim of the deadly Daska wedding stampede that claimed the lives of two labourers.

Sialkot Police have arrested TikToker Ansar Mahmood widely known as Mr Patlu in connection with a separate case involving alleged threats to the family of a victim of the deadly Daska wedding stampede that claimed the lives of two labourers.

District Police Officer (DPO) Sialkot Capt (retd) Dost Muhammad confirmed the arrest on Monday, November 9. Police also took Mr Patlu’s brother Kashif Bashir into custody in the same case.

According to police the fresh FIR was registered at Sadr Daska Police Station on the complaint of Abu Bakar brother-in-law of victim Rehan Arshad. The complainant alleged that armed men had been sent to threaten the family and pressure them into reaching a compromise over the stampede incident. The case includes charges under Sections 506-B, 348, 109 and 149 of the Pakistan Penal Code (PPC).

Mr Patlu is also named in the main stampede case registered as FIR No. 1335/26 at Motra Police Station. The FIR includes charges under Sections 322, 431, 440, 188, 109, 148 and 149 of the PPC along with Section 16 of the Maintenance of Public Order Ordinance. Nine people were named including Mr Patlu his brother ground owner Haji Shahid Javed alias Malik Faraz and other organisers. Around 40 to 45 unidentified security guards were also mentioned.

Six co-accused had already been arrested in the main case. Sources said Mr Patlu had obtained protective pre-arrest bail from the Islamabad High Court until November 10 in that matter. Police maintain that the protection did not extend to the newly registered threats case providing grounds for his arrest.

The accused is expected to be produced before a court. Police may seek his physical remand in connection with the cases after the protective bail period expires subject to court proceedings.

Two labourers died in October 31 stampede

The tragedy occurred on the night of October 31 at Faraz Cricket Ground on Daska Road during the mehndi ceremony of Mr Patlu.

According to the FIR, social media announcements had attracted a large crowd by advertising a prize draw featuring 50 motorcycles, a car and cash prizes worth up to Rs20 million. While the venue reportedly had a capacity of around 10,000 people estimates suggest that between 30,000 and 50,000 attended.

The FIR alleges that the gates were opened prematurely and an announcement on the loudspeaker urged people to enter simultaneously triggering the stampede. The district administration acknowledged that the event’s no-objection certificate (NOC) had been cancelled following violations but the function continued.

The two deceased were identified as 30-year-old Muhammad Aqeel a daily-wage labourer and father of three from Budha Goraiya and 22-year-old Rehan Arshad of Glotian Morr. Aqeel died during the incident or while being shifted to Civil Hospital while Rehan was taken to Mayo Hospital in Lahore where he died on November 1. Between 17 and 18 people were reportedly injured and later discharged.

Defence Minister Khawaja Asif criticised the incident saying that the poverty of a poor person had been made a subject of ridicule.

Victims’ families seek justice

Aqeel’s widow Tamseela told Minute Mirror that her husband had been the family’s sole breadwinner. She recalled asking him not to attend the gathering that day because she had a bad feeling but he went hoping to arrange money to buy winter clothes for their children.

The family reportedly had only Rs2,000 at home that day. His burial expenses were arranged through borrowing while his body was initially handed over and later taken back for a post-mortem examination due to a procedural issue. According to the supplied report the family had not received the post-mortem findings.

The widow also alleged that no elected representative or minister had visited the family and that they had received no compensation or financial assistance.

Meanwhile Rehan’s family has pursued legal action over alleged pressure to reach a settlement leading to the registration of the second FIR.

DPO Dost Muhammad has assured that the investigation will proceed on merit and that no accused will receive preferential treatment.

Minute Mirror has called for emergency financial assistance for Aqeel’s widow and children including support through the Benazir Income Support Programme and relevant provincial welfare schemes. It has also urged authorities to consider educational and housing assistance for the family recover legally established compensation from those found responsible and take departmental action against officials if negligence is established.

The investigation and court proceedings will determine the responsibility of the accused and any officials implicated in the incident.