Mardan police arrest constable in Sikh couple murder case

MARDAN: Police in Mardan said on Thursday they had arrested a serving constable in connection with the killing of a Sikh couple in Baboo Mohalla, saying the suspect was traced within 24 hours of the incident.

At a press conference, Mardan District Police Officer Masood Ahmad Bangash said the case had been cracked after an intensive investigation. According to police, the suspect is alleged to have shot dead Jagannath, who served as a caretaker at a local gurdwara, and his wife Asawanti at their residence on Wednesday.

Senior police officials were also present at the media briefing. The DPO said investigators gathered material from the crime scene and reviewed CCTV footage, mobile phone data and other technical evidence as part of the inquiry.

Police said the investigation indicated that the suspect had previously been assigned to security duty at the gurdwara but was transferred about three years ago. According to the police account presented by Bangash, the constable allegedly developed resentment over the transfer and carried out the killings because of personal enmity and a desire for revenge.

Bangash said coordinated work by the investigation teams led to the arrest after different aspects of the case were examined. He said further investigation was continuing and added that the matter would be pursued strictly on merit.

Police also said a detailed charge sheet would be submitted before the court so the suspect could be brought to justice. The double killing had caused concern among members of the Sikh community as well as the wider public.