ISLAMABAD: Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Gulzar Ahmed today (Thursday) took suo motu notice of attack on a Hindu temple in Bhong village of Punjab’s Rahim Yar Khan district.
The top judge took notice after MNA Dr Ramesh Kumar Vankwani, who is the patron-in-chief of the Pakistan Hindu Council, called on Chief Justice Ahmed at the Supreme Court to discuss the incident.
According to a press release issued by the Supreme Court, the chief justice “showed grave concern over the tragic incident”. He fixed the matter before the court on August 6 (tomorrow) at Islamabad, and directed the Punjab chief secretary and inspector general of police to appear for the hearing along with a report.
The incident took place after a conflict between two groups in Bhong town. Hundreds of people reportedly ransacked a Hindu temple and blocked the Sukkur-Multan Motorway after a nine-year-old Hindu boy, who allegedly urinated in a local seminary, was granted bail by a local court.
A local cleric had filed a complaint after the Bhong police had registered a case against the minor boy under section 295-A of the Pakistan Penal Code on July 24.
Several elders of the Hindu had tendered an apology to the seminary administration saying the accused was a minor and mentally challenged. After a lower court granted him bail a few days ago, a mob incited the public and forced them to close shops in protest.
A video clip of the incident went viral on social media showing a charged mob wielding clubs and rods storming the temple and smashing its glass doors, windows, lights, and damaging the ceiling fans.
Responding to the situation late in the evening, the district administration deployed Rangers in the area after Deputy Commissioner Dr Khuram Shehzad and District Police Officer Asad Sarfraz visited the town.
Special Representative to the Prime Minister on Religious Harmony Maulana Tahir Ashraf condemned the vandalism at the temple and vowed that the culprits will soon be brought to justice.
He said the district administration has been directed to investigate the incident and take legal action against those involved in it. He said no individual, group or party can be allowed to spread anarchy. He added the protection of religious minorities is the responsibility of the state.
