Pak rights panel says dispute, not blasphemy reason behind Hindu killing

Karachi, Apr 17 : A fact finding team of the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) has said that Jagdesh, a Hindu who was murdered on April 8 in Karachi on the suspicion that he had uttered blasphemous words, was killed because of a personal dispute with two fellow workers.

The deceased worker used to work in the 'stretching' department of Nova Leather Industries Private Limited, which is based in Karachi's Korangi Industrial Area.

According to the HRCP report, Jagdesh had arguments with his two colleagues, who spread the word throughout the factory that Jagdesh was making blasphemous remarks. A mob of emotional workers then beat him to death.

HRCP Acting Coordinator and Field Officer Abdul Hai told the Daily Times that he was axed to death even as a heavy contingent of the police was present at the factory.

It was nearly 10:00 a.m. when Jagdesh, who was doing his work, got into a fight with the two factory workers, but this fight ended when other workers came in between. The fight continued in bits and pieces at 11:00 a.m. and 11:40 a.m., until finally at 11:45, three people attacked him. The security guard intercepted and took him into the security room. The factory administration called the police at 12:17 p.m., and the police arrived at 12:30 p.m.

Three mobile units arrived and these policemen remained within the factory, rather than taking Jagdesh away to the station, said Haj, adding that all factory workers rushed to the main gate, where the security room is located, broke in snf and started beating Jagdesh.

Korangi Police Station SHO Ghulam Sarwar said he was not aware of any such incident taking place in his jurisdiction. IO Raja Ulfat said the police is doing did its best and confirmed that the three people were arrested in connection with the crime, would be produced before court on Thursday.

ANI