Hindu Temple Attack: Pak Sentences 22 Criminals for 5 Years

BY HAMZA AMEER

LAHORE, (IANS) – A Pakistani Anti-Terrorism Court has sentenced at least 22 accused to five years of imprisonment each for allegedly attacking a Hindu temple in Punjab province.

In July 2021, miscreants allegedly attacked the Ganesh temple at Bhong city with sticks, bamboo, and weapons.

The angry mob assaulted the security guard, damaged idols, walls, doors, and electric fittings, and set part of the temple ablaze, desecrating the holy temple.

The mob attack was triggered in response to the desecration of a Muslim seminary by an eight-year-old Hindu boy.

At least 84 suspected persons, who attacked the Hindu temple were taken into custody in September 2021.

ATC judge, Nazir Hussain, handed down imprisonment of five years each to at least 22 suspects while acquitting the remaining 62 people.

The matter was taken up by the Pakistan government, which had already announced a compensation of Rs one million from the alleged suspects. This was done as per orders of the same court.

The government had also announced the immediate restoration of the Ganesh temple, which was compiled, and the temple was restored at the expense of the government.

The former Pakistan Chief Justice, Gulzar Ahmed had taken notice of the incident and regretted that vandalism of Ganesh temple had brought shame to the country.

He also expressed disappointment over the local police, who he said, did nothing to stop the violent mob from attacking the Hindu temple.