FAISALABAD, July 6: Taking note of the killing of a blasphemy accused by villagers near Chak Jhumra, the federal government on Saturday sought a detailed report from the Punjab police chief.
In a fax message, the Interior Ministry told the Inspector-General of Police to investigate the causes leading to the tragic incident as well as the police negligence, if any.
Sources said that a special team, comprising three police officials, had been set up to ascertain the facts leading to Zahid’s killing.
Zahid was stoned by a mob in Chak 103-JB on Friday after the local Pesh Imam issued a death decree against him on charges of desecrating the holy Quran and speaking against the Prophet (PBUH).
Contrary to the police claim, sources said, an autopsy was conducted on Zahid’s body at the Tehsil Headquarters Hospital, Chak Jhumra, on Friday.
AFP ADDS: The family buried the body without complaining to the police.
However, police in the area said they had begun an investigation.
“We have started a probe into the incident and we may order exhumation of the body to find out the cause of death,” local police officer Mohammad Arif told AFP, speaking by telephone.