The elderly couple were shot dead inside the shrine as investigators continue to probe the motive behind the attack
Pakistan police have arrested the prime suspect in the killing of an elderly Sikh couple who were shot dead inside a gurudwara in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province 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 of Mardan district, around 60 kilometres from Peshawar. The couple were killed when armed assailants entered the shrine and opened fire before fleeing the scene.
Suspect arrested, motive remains unclear
Police identified the arrested suspect as Sher Shah, a resident of Amazugari. According to Mardan District Police Officer Masood Ahmad Bangash, investigations conducted by a Joint Investigation Team comprising police and Counter-Terrorism Department officials have so far found no evidence linking the accused to any banned outfit or organised terror group.
Authorities said all possible angles are being examined and the motive behind the killings remains under investigation.
Security lapses under scrutiny
Reports indicate that a police guard assigned to protect the gurudwara was absent when the attack took place. Investigators also discovered that the digital video recorder connected to CCTV cameras installed at the shrine was not functioning at the time of the incident.
The apparent security lapses have raised serious concerns regarding the protection of minority religious sites in Pakistan.
Strong reaction from Sikh and political leaders
The killings triggered widespread condemnation in India.
Akal Takht Jathedar Giani Kuldip Singh Gargaj urged Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa authorities to ensure a swift investigation and exemplary punishment for those responsible.
BJP National General Secretary Tarun Chugh also condemned the incident, alleging that Pakistan has repeatedly failed to protect minority communities despite commitments made under the Nehru-Liaquat Pact of 1950.
The incident has once again brought attention to the security concerns faced by religious minorities in Pakistan.
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