TikToker's Mehndi Event Turns Deadly: 2 Killed, 18 Injured in Pakistan Stampede
A mehndi event hosted by TikToker Mr Pattlo turned deadly in Sialkot, Pakistan, leaving two dead and 18 injured. Six people have been arrested.
A celebratory mehndi event hosted by a popular social media personality turned into a nightmare in Pakistan’s Sialkot district, resulting in a deadly stampede that claimed two lives and left 18 others injured. The chaos erupted during a gathering organized by TikToker Muhammad Ansar Jatt, widely known by his online handle ‘Mr Pattlo’.
Chaos at Faraz Cricket Ground
The tragedy unfolded on Friday night at the Faraz Cricket Ground located on Daska Road. Hundreds of people had flocked to the venue for a combined mehndi ceremony and a prize-distribution event. According to reports, the situation spiraled out of control the moment the stadium gates were opened.
Witnesses and reports indicate that attendees were instructed via loudspeakers to enter the ground all at once. This sudden surge of a massive crowd through the entrances triggered a stampede, leaving many crushed in the rush.
Rising Casualty Toll
Emergency services from Rescue 1122 initially reported one fatality and 13 injuries. However, the death toll rose to two after another critically injured individual passed away while receiving treatment at a government hospital. In total, 18 people were reported injured in the crush.
Lure of Big Prizes and Social Media Hype
Preliminary investigations suggest that the massive turnout was driven by aggressive social media advertising. The organizers had promised a variety of lucrative prizes to attract the crowd, including a car, 50 motorcycles, and other valuable items to be given away via a lucky draw.
Following the incident, police seized the car and the 50 motorcycles that were intended for distribution to the attendees.
Police Action and Legal Fallout
Sialkot District Police Officer (DPO) Dost Muhammad confirmed that six individuals responsible for managing the event have already been arrested. The DPO highlighted a severe lack of safety protocols and poor crowd management, noting that the organizers had blatantly violated the conditions of their permit.
Key Legal Developments:
- NOC Revoked: The Sialkot district administration has revoked the No-Objection Certificate (NOC) for the event, discovering that the permission granted was for a private mehfil-i-samaa gathering in an enclosed venue in Daska, not a massive public event at a cricket ground.
- FIR Registered: A First Information Report (FIR) was lodged at the Motra Police Station on October 31.
- Accused Named: The FIR names Muhammad Ansar Jatt, his brother, the owner of the cricket ground, six other organizers, and approximately 40 to 45 unidentified security guards.
- Charges: The accused face serious charges, including culpable homicide, rioting, disobedience of official orders, and damage to public property.
Organizers on the Run
While six arrests have been made, the primary organizer, Muhammad Ansar Jatt, reportedly fled the scene immediately after the tragedy occurred. Police teams have been formed to track down Jatt and the remaining suspects to ensure legal action is taken against everyone responsible for the negligence that led to the deaths.