Ghotki principal detained after 'derogatory remarks' as riots hit town

GHOTKI: The principal of a private school was booked and detained by authorities Sunday for allegedly making derogatory remarks, a top Sukkur police officer confirmed after riots broke out in the town in northern Sindh.

According to the additional inspector-general (AIG) of police for Sukkur, Dr Jamil Ahmed, the principal had come under fire after the father of a student accused him of making comments that hurt the locals' religious sentiments, leading to severe rioting as enraged protesters broke into and vandalised a temple in Ghotki.

The protesters then caused damage to the principal's school and took to the National Highway (N-5) to stage a demonstration, blocking the traffic.

AIG Dr Ahmed said a first information report (FIR) was registered in this regard under the Pakistan Penal Code Section 295-C, which deals with the "use of derogatory remarks in respect of the Holy Prophet (PBUH)".

AIG Dr Ahmed said the principal "is now in the safe custody of Police".

Legal action would be completed against the accused and justice would be meted out lawfully, the Sukkur police officer said, adding that the situation in Ghotki was under control.

"Situation in Ghotki is back to normal within 12 hours by the grace of God. Fair investigation would be ensured, facts confirmed and justice would finally prevail In Shaa Allah!" the police officer said.

On the other hand, Pakistan People's Party (PPP) Chairperson Bilawal Bhutto Zardari took notice of the incident and advised Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah to bring the situation under control.

Further, PPP leaders Saeed Ghani and Nasir Hussain Shah — Sindh's information & archives and forests and religious affairs ministers, respectively — visited the area as well. The two subsequently said they were grateful to the local religious scholars and Hindu community leaders.