Sikh Caretaker Couple Killed in Firing at Private Gurdwara in Mardan; High-Level Investigation Underway

Mardan: Gurdwara caretaker couple killed in firing, high-level investigation underway
Pakistan MARDAN: Nazrana Times  Ali imran Chattha 
A tragic incident of firing at a private gurdwara in Babu Mohalla, Khwaja Ganj Bazaar, Mardan, resulted in the death of a Sikh caretaker couple. The deceased were identified as Jagan Nath Singh and his wife Gudi Kaur.
According to police, unidentified armed men entered the gurdwara premises last night and opened fire, seriously injuring the couple. They were shifted to the District Headquarters Hospital Mardan, where they succumbed to their injuries.

Following the incident, DPO Mardan reached the scene along with a heavy police contingent and later visited the District Headquarters Hospital to review the situation. Police collected evidence from the crime scene and are obtaining CCTV footage from nearby cameras to help identify the attackers.
A case has been registered at the concerned police station under sections related to double murder and other relevant provisions against unidentified suspects. Police teams are conducting investigations from different angles.
Police officials said that while all aspects of the incident are being examined, the possibility of personal enmity or old rivalry has not been ruled out. Investigators are also looking into this aspect to determine the actual motive behind the attack.

A high-level inquiry process has been initiated, and law enforcement agencies are working to trace and arrest the perpetrators.
Provincial Minister for Minority Affairs and Human Rights Sardar Ramesh Singh Arora, who is also the Chairman of the Pakistan Sikh Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (PSGPC), strongly condemned the incident. He said that immediate and transparent investigations would be carried out and all possible efforts would be made to arrest those responsible.
He stated that the Ministry of Interior, Government of Pakistan, and the provincial government would work together in the investigation process. He added that the Sikh community worldwide has condemned the incident and expressed solidarity with the bereaved family.

Former PTI Parliamentary Secretary for Minority Affairs Punjab and Provincial President of the Minority Wing South Punjab Sardar Mahinder Pal Singh also strongly condemned the incident and expressed hope that the suspects would be arrested soon.
It has been clarified that the gurdwara where the incident occurred was a private gurdwara and was not under the control of the Evacuee Trust Property Board (ETPB).
The incident has caused grief and concern among the Sikh community, while security around the gurdwara and surrounding areas has been strengthened. Further updates are expected as the investigation progresses.