A screenshot of the crime scene. PHOTO: SCREEN
MARDAN:
The Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Police on Thursday claimed to have solved the notorious double murder of a Sikh couple in Baboo Mohalla, Mardan, after arresting a serving police constable who allegedly carried out the murders over a personal grievance arising from his transfer from a gurdwara security assignment.
Addressing a press conference, Mardan District Police Officer (DPO) Masood Ahmad Bangash said the suspect was arrested within 24 hours of the incident following intensive investigation.
According to police, the suspect allegedly shot dead Jagannath, a sevadar (caretaker) of a local gurdwara, and his wife, Asawanti, at their residence in Baboo Mohalla on Wednesday.
Senior police officials attended the press conference.
Read more: Sikh caregiver couple 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 track the suspect.
Preliminary findings indicated that the suspect had previously been posted at the gurdwara but was transferred about three years ago. Police believe he harbored resentment over the transfer and allegedly committed the murders out of personal animosity and a desire for revenge.
Bangash said the arrest was possible due to the coordinated efforts of the investigation teams, who examined all aspects of the case before arresting the suspect.
He added that further investigations were underway and assured that the case would be conducted strictly on merit. Police plan to submit a full charge sheet to the court to ensure the suspect is brought to justice.
The murders had caused widespread concern among members of the Sikh community and the general public.
