Islamabad (Web Desk): The Supreme Court (SC) on Friday ordered Punjab Police to arrest all culprits involved in the vandalizing of a Hindu temple in Bhong area of Rahim Yar Khan.
According to details, a two-member bench headed by Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Gulzar Ahmed took up the case at the request of Pakistan Hindu Council Chairperson Dr Ramesh Kumar, who was also present in the court, after a mob vandalised the Shree Ganesh temple in Bhong village of Rahim Yar Khan a day earlier.
A viral video clip showed people armed with clubs and rods storming the temple and smashing its doors, windows, lights, fans and religious idols.
The CJP reprimanded Inspector General of Police (IGP) Punjab Inam Ghani for failing to take action to safeguard the temple.
During the hearing today, the CJP expressed displeasure over the incident and reprimanded the officials, saying the attack has done serious damage to Pakistan's reputation around the globe.
He said the police acted as a silent spectator while the mob vandalised the temple. “What were the police and administration doing?” the CJP asked.
To this, IGP Inam Ghani said the assistant commissioner and ASP were present at the scene, and that the administration’s priority was to provide security to the 70 Hindu families near the temple.
“Terrorism clauses have been added in the FIR,” he said.
“If the deputy commissioner and the DPO cannot perform their duties, they should be fired,” the CJP remarked.
The IGP informed the court that no arrests have been made so far in connection with the case, when Justice Qazi Amin asked as to what action had the police taken.
Additional Attorney General Sohail Mehmood informed the court that that Prime Minister Imran Khan had taken notice of the matter.
At this, CJP Gulzar said the court would focus on the legal perspective of the case.
“Three days have passed, but no one has been arrested,” said the chief justice, disappointed.
Justice Amin said police has failed to perform its duty.
“Had there been professional officers in the force, the issue would have been solved by now,” the top judge observed, adding that one should ponder over how the incident has impacted Pakistani Hindus.
“Think, how would Muslims have reacted if a mosque was attacked,” he remarked.
Issuing directives to take action against the culprits, the SC ordered the officials to submit a report on the next hearing, which has been scheduled on August 13.
The court also ordered to establish peace committees to ensure religious harmony among followers of different faiths.
