Sialkot / Daska A tragic stampede at the Mehndi ceremony of popular TikToker Mr Patlo, also known as Anser Mahmood Jatt, has plunged the area into mourning. The crowd had gathered for a prize draw during the event when the situation reportedly spiralled out of control, leaving two young men dead and several others injured.
Following the incident, Motra Police registered a case against nine named individuals, including Mr Patlo, his brother and other event organisers, along with approximately 45 unidentified security guards. Police have confirmed the arrest of six suspects so far, while raids are reportedly underway to arrest the main accused, Mr Patlo.
Prize Announcements Attracted Thousands of People
According to police and media reports, the Mehndi ceremony and prize distribution event was organised at Faraz Cricket Ground on Daska Road.
People had been invited through social media, where organisers reportedly announced a prize draw featuring 50 motorcycles, one car and several other valuable prizes.
The announcements attracted a large number of people from Sialkot and different parts of Punjab. As crowds gathered outside the ground, pressure on the event arrangements continued to increase.
Stampede Breaks Out as Gate Opens
According to initial police investigations, an announcement was reportedly made over the loudspeaker asking participants to enter the ground at the same time.
When the gate opened, people rushed forward to get inside, triggering a stampede. Several individuals fell to the ground as the crowd surged ahead, leaving people trapped beneath others.
Many participants sustained serious injuries and were shifted to hospitals with the assistance of Rescue 1122 and other emergency services.
Two Young Men Lose Their Lives
The first victim was identified as 30-year-old Muhammad Aqeel, a resident of Budha Goraya.
Later, 22-year-old Rehan Arshad, a resident of Galotian Mor, also died while receiving treatment in Lahore after succumbing to his injuries.
According to the police report, 18 people were injured in the incident. Some of them were discharged from hospital after receiving medical treatment.
Who Has Been Named in the Case?
Motra Police have named the following nine individuals in the FIR:
1. Anser Mahmood Jatt, also known as Mr Patlo
2. Kashif Bashir
3. Shahid Javed
4. Daniyal Munir
5. Munir Ahmed
6. Mohsin Ali
7. Irshad Ali
8. Abdullah Mehdi
9. Zohaib Mansha
In addition, approximately 45 unidentified security guards have also been included in the case.
The FIR reportedly includes Sections 322, 431, 440, 188, 109, 148 and 149 of the Pakistan Penal Code, along with Section 16 of the Maintenance of Public Order Ordinance.
Six Arrested; Search for Mr Patlo Continues
According to the Sialkot District Police Officer, six individuals have been arrested in connection with the incident.
Police have also taken into custody the 50 motorcycles and one car that were brought for the prize draw.
Police officials say the main accused, Mr Patlo, had left the scene following the incident. Special teams have reportedly been formed to arrest him.
Administration Had Already Cancelled the Permission
According to a spokesperson for the district administration, permission had initially been granted for a private Mehfil-e-Sama at the venue.
However, after reports of violations of the permission conditions and information about a large public gathering, the Deputy Commissioner reportedly cancelled the NOC on October 31 at around 4:00 pm.
The administration stated that the organisers continued with the event despite the cancellation.
A district officer of Rescue 1122 also reportedly said that the department had not been informed in advance about such a large public gathering.
Police Investigation Underway
Police are investigating several aspects of the incident, including event videos, security arrangements, crowd-control measures and the alleged violation of permission conditions.
Two young lives have been lost, and several families have been affected by this tragedy. The central question remains:
Why were adequate safety arrangements not in place for such a large gathering, and who will be held responsible?
The matter is now proceeding through police investigation and legal action. It is important to remember that those named in the FIR are accused, and their guilt must be determined through the legal process.
