KASUR: Police on Tuesday arrested four people on charges of blasphemy in two incidents.

Chunian police lodged a criminal case against a man under sections 295-A (outrage the religious feelings of any class of citizens) and 298-A (wounding the religious feelings of any person) of PPC.

According to the first information report, the suspect allegedly uploaded hate material on social media that was reported to police by some men of the village.

In the second case, Changa Manga police booked eight people of Bhagiwal village for allegedly writing derogatory remarks against the caliphs and companions of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) on walls in various streets of the village. A case was registered under sections 295-A, 298-A of PPC and the Punjab Prohibition of Expressing Matters on Walls Act 1995.

Chunian police claimed to have arrested the suspect and Changa Manga police took into custody three of the alleged blasphemers.

Further investigation is under way.

Meanwhile, a large number of people from Chunian took out a peaceful rally from Tibbi Dial Singh Chowk to Mandi Bhadoki. People from all walks of life vowed to maintain peace and respect for all sects. They said elements fanning sectarianism should be unmasked and penalised.

District Police Officer Imran Kishwar said the situation was under control and teams had been established to arrest the suspects. He said elements trying to disrupt peace and inter-sect harmony would be dealt with an iron hand.

Published in Dawn, August 25th, 2021