Police seize statue alleged to depict satanic figure BAAL in Karachi’s Korangi area

KARACHI: Police in Karachi have confiscated a statue that was reportedly intended to represent a satanic figure, following the circulation of videos showing the effigy on social media platforms.

According to a senior police officer who spoke on condition of anonymity, the statue was seized from Mehran Town in the Korangi Industrial Area on Wednesday night. The action was taken after videos depicting the large white statue, which appeared to show a human male body with a bull’s head in a seated position, began to spread widely online.

The official stated that the statue was allegedly meant to be burned during a rally marking Youm Al Quds in Karachi. However, no arrests have been made in connection with the incident, and no case has been registered so far, the officer confirmed.

In the videos that went viral, the effigy drew significant attention due to its unusual appearance and size. The police intervention came amid concerns over the statue's symbolism and its planned use during a public event.

This incident recalls a similar controversy in 2019, when a 20-feet-high sculpture described as ‘satanic’ was displayed at the Lahore Museum. That artwork was criticized for its alleged depiction of the devil and for being inappropriate for the museum’s historic setting. Following public backlash, the sculpture was removed from the venue.

Authorities have not provided further details regarding the origin of the statue seized in Karachi or the individuals responsible for its creation and intended display. The police continue to investigate the matter.