FIR Filed for Madyan Tragedy: Investigation Underway, No Arrests Yet

Sulaiman was accused of desecrating the Holy Quran and was subsequently killed and dragged through the streets before his body was set on fire.

Following the tragic events in Madyan, the police have registered an FIR, naming 2,000 individuals, and have initiated an investigation. However, as of the latest reports, no arrests have been made.

On Thursday evening, in the tourist area of Madyan Valley, 51 kilometers from the main city of Swat, a mob of angry people forcibly removed Sulaiman, a resident of Sialkot, from police custody. Sulaiman was accused of desecrating the Holy Quran and was subsequently killed and dragged through the streets before his body was set on fire.

Videos of the incident quickly spread on social media, prompting widespread outrage and raising numerous questions among the public.

Police Response and Investigation

TNN reached out to SP Upper Swat, Attaullah, for details on how the public learned about the alleged desecration. SP Attaullah explained that Sulaiman had been staying in a hotel in Madyan since June 18. The police received information that two or three hotel staff had witnessed him desecrating the Holy Quran. The police acted promptly, arresting Sulaiman and taking him to the Madyan police station, where a crowd soon gathered, leading to the unfortunate incident.

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SP Attaullah described how the mob set fire to the police station, pelted stones, and rescued the alleged perpetrator, ultimately leading to his death and the burning of his body. The mob also severely damaged seven to eight government vehicles, including a DSP's car, and eleven people sustained minor injuries from gunfire and stone-throwing.

When questioned about the police's role, SP Attaullah maintained that the police had acted swiftly in apprehending the accused but were overwhelmed by the sheer number of people they could not control.

Community Reaction and Religious Perspective

Regarding the incident's impact on tourism, SP Attaullah assured that Madyan and Kalam remain safe for tourists, with no current law and order issues. He emphasized that while such incidents are unfortunate, the situation has normalized, and more facts will emerge as the investigation continues.

TNN also spoke with religious scholar Mufti Waseem, who highlighted the importance of thorough investigation before accusing anyone. According to Islamic teachings, those who desecrate the Holy Quran or insult the Companions are subject to severe punishment, including life imprisonment, but such judgments must come from a judge, not the public.

Mufti Waseem condemned the killing, stating that in Islam, the government alone is responsible for carrying out such punishments. He acknowledged the public's frustration due to the lack of timely justice, which leads to such violent reactions, but stressed that according to Sharia, individuals do not have the authority to enact these punishments themselves.

Legal and Governmental Stance

Barrister Saif, speaking on behalf of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government, confirmed that the government has taken notice of the Madyan incident and that an investigation is underway. He assured that all motives behind the incident would be revealed, and actions would be taken according to the law. He urged the public to remain peaceful as the investigation progresses.

The Madyan tragedy has highlighted significant issues related to law enforcement, public reaction to blasphemy accusations, and the broader implications for justice and safety in the region.