A screenshot of the crime scene. PHOTO: SCREENSHOT
MARDAN:
The Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa police on Thursday claimed to have solved the high-profile double murder of a Sikh couple in Baboo Mohalla, Mardan, after arresting a serving police constable who allegedly committed the murders due to a personal grievance arising from his transfer from a security duty to the gurdwara.
Addressing a press conference, Mardan District Police Officer (DPO) Masood Ahmad Bangash said the suspect was arrested within 24 hours of the incident following thorough investigation.
According to police, the suspect allegedly shot dead Jagannath, a sevadar (guardian) of a local gurdwara, and his wife, Asawanti, at their residence in Baboo Mohalla on Wednesday.
Senior police officials attended the press briefing.
Learn more: Couple of Sikh guards shot dead in Mardan
The DPO said investigators collected evidence from the crime scene and analyzed CCTV footage, mobile phone records and other technical data to identify and trace the suspect.
Preliminary findings indicated that the suspect was previously posted at the gurdwara but was transferred about three years ago. Police believe he harbored resentment over the transfer and may have committed the murders out of personal animosity and a desire for revenge.
Bangash said the arrest was made possible thanks to the coordinated efforts of the investigation teams, who examined all aspects of the case before apprehending the suspect.
He added that further investigations were underway and assured that the case would be examined strictly on its merits. Police plan to submit a full charge sheet to the court to ensure the suspect is brought to justice.
These killings have caused great concern among members of the Sikh community and the general public.
