Sikh caretaker couple shot dead inside Gurdwara in Pakistan; Akal Takht and BJP condemn incident

Unidentified gunmen shot dead a Sikh caretaker couple inside a gurdwara in Pakistan's Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province on Wednesday, drawing strong condemnation from political and religious leaders. The incident occurred in Babu Mohallah, an area in Mardan district, about 60km from Peshawar.

Police said the assailants entered the gurdwara, fired on Jagannath and his wife Asma Wanti, killing them on the spot, and fled the scene.

Mardan District Police Officer Masood Ahmed said an investigation has been launched to find out the motive behind the attack. Police teams are working to identify and apprehend the perpetrators.

The killings have alarmed the Sikh community and political representatives. Suresh Kumar, a member of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Assembly, condemned the incident and demanded the immediate arrest of the attackers. He urged the police to make any meaningful progress in the case within 24 hours.

Kumar said it was troubling that such an attack could occur despite the presence of police and security personnel in the area. He also called for a fair and transparent investigation of all aspects of the case.

Kumar raised concern over the handling of evidence and questioned how CCTV material was collected from the crime scene. He alleged the Digital Video Recorder (DVR) was “improperly removed” and critical evidence likely was not preserved.

The lawmaker also asked senior police officials including District Police Officer, Regional Police Officer and Inspector General of Police to keep a close watch on the investigation and take action against negligent officials.

He warned that if the investigation does not move forward significantly or suspects are not apprehended, peaceful demonstrations will be organized in Mardan, Peshawar and Islamabad.

Meanwhile police said special investigation teams had been formed and inquiries were being conducted from different angles. Officials said forensic techniques and modern technology are being used to trace the attackers.

Sikh religious leaders and Indian politicians have also condemned the killings. Akal Takht Jathedar Giani Kuldip Singh condemned the killings and urged Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Muhammad Sohail Khan Afridi to take immediate action against the perpetrators and ensure strict punishment.

Rajya Sabha MP and BJP national general secretary Tarun Chugh also attacked the Pakistan government, charging it with failing to protect rights and ensure safety of minority communities in the country.