NAROWAL: The Sialkot police arrested 33 more suspects in the murder case of Sri Lankan citizen Priyantha Kumara on Friday.

The suspects were presented in the Gujranwala anti-terrorism court where judge Natasha Naseem remanded them in police custody for 17 days. The court ordered the suspects be presented again on Jan 3. A heavy contingent of police as well as Elite Force was deployed outside the court.

The police has so far arrested 85 suspects in Mr Kumara’s murder case and obtained their physical remand. Thirty-four of the suspects will be presented in the anti-terrorism court on Dec 21 after their 14-day physical remand ended, while 18 others will be presented again on Dec 28.

According to police sources, the key suspect involved in the murder of Mr Kumara had been arrested and was being interrogated. The police is not disclosing any information about the suspect and progress in the investigation.

The sources added that further raids were not being conducted to arrest more workers of Rajco Industries where Mr Kumara was a senior manager. Meanwhile, operations at the factory are said to have resumed.

On Dec 3, a mob comprising hundreds of protesters, including employees of the factory, had tortured Kumara to death and later burnt his body over allegations of blasphemy.

The brutal killing drew widespread condemnation from political circles and human rights bodies.

Published in Dawn, December 18th, 2021

Opinion

Editorial

Kurram atrocity
Updated 22 Nov, 2024

Kurram atrocity

It would be a monumental mistake for the state to continue ignoring the violence in Kurram.
Persistent grip
22 Nov, 2024

Persistent grip

An audit of polio funds at federal and provincial levels is sorely needed, with obstacles hindering eradication efforts targeted.
Green transport
22 Nov, 2024

Green transport

THE government has taken a commendable step by announcing a New Energy Vehicle policy aiming to ensure that by 2030,...
Military option
Updated 21 Nov, 2024

Military option

While restoring peace is essential, addressing Balochistan’s socioeconomic deprivation is equally important.
HIV/AIDS disaster
21 Nov, 2024

HIV/AIDS disaster

A TORTUROUS sense of déjà vu is attached to the latest health fiasco at Multan’s Nishtar Hospital. The largest...
Dubious pardon
21 Nov, 2024

Dubious pardon

IT is disturbing how a crime as grave as custodial death has culminated in an out-of-court ‘settlement’. The...