FAISALABAD: Oct 10: Police will on Wedneday (today) submit the challan of two accused booked on desecration charges in Munir Abad in an anti-terrorism court, sources said on Tuesday.

James Masih, 57, and his cousin Boota Masih, 55, were rounded up by police for allegedly burning pages of the Holy Quran two days ago.

On hearing about the incident, the area people became infuriated and gathered outside James’ house where he, along with Boota, allegedly burnt the holy pages.

Arshad Mubarik, a plaintiff of the case registered against the accused, told Dawn that Khalid, a vegetable vendor in the area, alleged that he admonished James when he tried to burn some papers which also contained the holy pages. On this James misbehaved with him and set the pages on fire, he quoted the vendor.

“We informed the police about the incident, urging quick action to avoid any untoward incident,” Mr Mubarik said and added: “But, it’s a matter of disappointment that some members of NGOs are visiting the area only to exaggerate the facts, saying lives of Christians in the area are in danger,” he said.

After receiving the information, a Nishaat Abad police team arrived at the scene and took the accused into custody.

Reports said the people on the scene were so enraged that they were not ready to hand over the accused to the police and wanted to punish them on the spot.

However, the police managed to remove the accused from the spot and registered a case against them under section 295-B of the PPC and 7 of ATA.

Police patrolling has been increased to avoid any untoward incident in the area, which is still gripped by tension.

Meanwhile, the families of both accused have moved to some safer places, sources said. The area had a number of Christian houses and their inmates were feeling insecure, they added.

The accused have been sent on judicial remand by the district and sessions court.

Nishat Abad police investigation in charge Nasir Nawaz said as no recovery was required, police did not seek physical remand of the accused.

An officer said requesting anonymity, that police had been directed to expedite the case and submit the challan as soon as possible. He said some partially-burnt holy pages had been recovered from the spot.

Sources quoting some members of James’ family said he (James) was ignorant of the presence of the holy pages in the pile of papers he set to fire to refresh his hubble bubble.

Minority members have decided to take up the issue at higher level and soon a delegation would meet Chief Minister Pervaiz Elahi, the sources said.

A minority member of the Punjab Assembly, Joil Aamir Boby, associated with ruling party, said it was a serious matter and would be discussed with the Punjab chief minister.

“We condemn desecration incidents and the guilty must be brought to the justice, but initial inquiry before the registration of such cases should be mandatory so that peace and harmony could be maintained,” he said and added that no sane person could commit such act.

He said many cases of this nature registered in the past had proved false.