Police arrest 100, including key suspects, involved in lynching of Sri Lankan man
At least 118 people have been arrested in Pakistan after a Sri Lankan factory manager was beaten to death and set ablaze by a mob who accused him of blasphemy, officials said.
Punjab Inspector-General Rao Sardar Ali Khan said on Saturday that police have arrested more than 100 people, including 13 key suspects, involved in killing the Sri Lankan national named Priyantha Kumara.
The vigilante attack has caused outrage and anger in Pakistan.
Prime Minister Imran Khan said it was a “day of shame” for his country after a Muslim mob attacked and killed a Sri Lankan man and burned his body publicly over allegations of blasphemy in the northeastern city of Sialkot.
PM Khan said he would personally oversee an investigation into “the horrific vigilante attack”: “Let there be no mistake all those responsible will be punished with full severity of the law,” he tweeted.
The country’s army chief General Qamar Javed Bajwa also described the incident as “shameful,” saying “such extra-judicial vigilantism cannot be condoned at any cost.” He directed the military’s full support to the civil administration to ensure the perpetrators of the crime were arrested and brought to justice.
Sri Lanka expects justice
The Sri Lankan foreign minister said it was in contact with Pakistani authorities, saying that they expecte Islamabad to take ‘required action’ to investigate the matter and ensure justice.
“Sri Lanka expects that the Pakistan authorities will take required action to investigate and ensure justice. We are awaiting results of further investigations and working with all parties concerned to bring the remains home.”
Sri Lankan Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa said he was shocked by the brutal attack. “My heart goes out to his wife and family. Sri Lanka and her people are confident that PM Imran Khan will keep to his commitment to bring all those involved to justice,” he tweeted.