Pakistan Police Arrest Main Suspect In Killing Of Sikh Caretaker Couple Inside Gurdwara
Pakistan Police Arrest Main Suspect In Killing Of Sikh Caretaker Couple Inside Gurdwara Published By, Last Updated: June 19, 2026, 11:36 IST The incident has
Pakistan Police Arrest Main Suspect In Killing Of Sikh Caretaker Couple Inside Gurdwara Published By, Last Updated: June 19, 2026, 11:36 IST The incident has triggered strong outrage within the Sikh community. The Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) strongly condemned the attack Rapid Read A Sikh couple was shot dead inside a Gurudwara in Pakistan | Image for representation: REUTERS Days after a Sikh caretaker couple was shot dead inside a gurdwara in Pakistan’s Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, police on Thursday arrested the main suspect in the double murder case, officials said. The victims, Jagannath and his wife Asma Wanti, were employed as caretakers at a gurdwara in Babu Mohalla in Mardan district, located around 60 km from Peshawar.
The couple was killed inside the gurdwara on Wednesday. Mardan District Police Officer (DPO) Masood Ahmad Bangash, addressing a press conference, confirmed the arrest of the prime suspect, identified as Sher Shah, a resident of Amazugari. He said a Joint Investigation Team (JIT), comprising police officials, Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD) personnel and other senior authorities, has been formed to investigate the case. According to Bangash, investigators have so far not found any evidence linking the accused to any banned organisation, terrorist group or organised network. He added that the motive behind the killings is still unknown, and authorities are examining all possible angles based on the suspect’s statements and evidence collected during the probe.
The incident has triggered strong outrage within the Sikh community. The Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) strongly condemned the attack and demanded swift action against those responsible. SGPC president Harjinder Singh Dhami described the killings as a serious attack on religious freedom and minority rights, stating that the sanctity of a place of worship had been violated by targeting an innocent couple engaged in religious service. “The murder of a Sikh couple inside a gurdwara is not merely a criminal act but a grave assault on religious freedom and the security of minorities," Dhami said. He urged the Pakistan government to carry out a thorough investigation, arrest all those involved and ensure strict punishment for the perpetrators.
Dhami also expressed solidarity with the bereaved family and prayed for the peace of the departed souls. News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit Location: Pakistan First Published: June 19, 2026, 11:36 IST News world Pakistan Police Arrest Main Suspect In Killing Of Sikh Caretaker Couple Inside Gurdwara Disclaimer: Comments reflect users’ views, not News18’s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments...
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