Police arrest key suspect in Sikh couple murder case in Mardan

PESHAWAR, Jun 18 (APP): Police have arrested the main suspect in the double murder case of an elderly Sikh couple inside a gurdwara in Mardan through scientific investigation methods, technical evidence and professional investigative strategy, District Police Officer (DPO) Mardan Masood Ahmed said on Thursday.

Addressing a press conference, the DPO said the arrested suspect had been identified as Sher Shah, son of Nadir Shah, a resident of Amazo Garhi currently residing in Iran Abad.

He said the case had been registered on the complaint of Amarjeet Lal, while the victims were identified as Jagannath and his wife Asawanti, residents of Babu Mohalla, Mardan.

Masood Ahmed said investigations conducted by a joint inquiry committee, including officials of the Counter Terrorism Department (CTD), had so far found no evidence linking the suspect to any banned organisation, terrorist group or organised network.

He said the suspect had provided his personal account of the incident during preliminary interrogation and police were examining all aspects of the statement to determine the motives behind the killings.

The killing of the Sikh couple inside the gurdwara had triggered widespread condemnation from political leaders and government officials, who called for a transparent investigation, justice for the victims and stronger security measures for minority communities and places of worship.

Officials said investigations into the incident were continuing.