Police Arrest Main Suspect in Killing of Sikh Caretaker Couple in Pakistan

Police in Pakistan's Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province have arrested the prime suspect in the killing of an elderly Sikh couple who were shot dead inside a gurudwara in Mardan district earlier this week. The victims, 70-year-old Jagannath and his wife Asma Wanti, were serving as caretakers of the gurudwara located in Babu Mohalla, around 60 kilometres northwest of Peshawar, when they were attacked by armed assailants on Wednesday.

Provincial police identified the arrested suspect as Sher Shah, a resident of Amazugari. According to Mardan District Police Officer Masood Ahmad Bangash, a Joint Investigation Team comprising local police, Counter-Terrorism Department personnel and other senior officials is leading the probe. Investigators have so far found no evidence linking the accused to any banned outfit, terrorist organisation or organised criminal network.

Authorities said the motive behind the killings remains unclear and all possible angles are being examined based on the suspect's statements and other evidence collected during the investigation. Reports indicate that the attackers entered the gurudwara, opened fire on the couple and fled the scene before security forces could respond. The incident has raised fresh concerns over the safety of minority communities in the region.

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Pakistan media reports have also highlighted possible security lapses at the religious site. A police guard assigned to protect the gurudwara was reportedly absent at the time of the attack. Investigators also discovered that although CCTV cameras had been installed on the premises, the digital video recorder was not functioning, limiting the availability of crucial evidence.

The killings have triggered strong reactions in India, with religious and political leaders condemning the incident. Akal Takht Jathedar Giani Kuldip Singh Gargaj urged Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government to ensure the immediate arrest and strict punishment of all those responsible, while calling for enhanced protection of Sikh religious sites and minority communities.

BJP National General Secretary Tarun Chugh also condemned the attack, alleging that Pakistan has repeatedly failed to uphold the commitments made under the Nehru-Liaquat Pact of 1950, which guarantees the protection of minorities in both countries. As investigations continue, authorities are expected to determine the motive behind the killings and identify whether additional individuals were involved in the attack.

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