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Elderly Sikh couple shot dead inside Pakistan gurdwara 
The victims were caretakers of the gurdwara

Elderly Sikh couple shot dead inside Pakistan gurdwara 

Jun 19, 2026
09:54 am

What's the story

An elderly Sikh couple was shot dead inside a gurdwara in Babu Mohalla, Mardan district, Pakistan, on Wednesday. The victims were identified as 70-year-old Jagannath and his wife Asma Wanti. They were serving as caretakers of the religious site when the incident occurred. The assailants entered the premises and opened fire before fleeing.

Suspect apprehended

Prime suspect arrested, motive unknown

The police have arrested a prime suspect in the case, identified as Sher Shah from Amazugari. However, Mardan District Police Officer Masood Ahmad Bangash said no evidence has been found linking him to any banned outfit or terrorist organization. The motive behind the killings is still unknown, and investigations are ongoing with a Joint Investigation Team (JIT) on the case.

Security breach

Police guard absent during attack

Reports indicate that a police guard was supposed to be on duty at the Gurudwara but was absent during the attack. Although CCTV cameras were installed, investigators also found that the digital video recorder was not operational. The bodies of the deceased were taken to District Headquarters Hospital in Mardan for post-mortem examinations.

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International reaction

BJP leader slams Pakistan for not protecting minorities

The incident has drawn sharp reactions from India as well, with Akal Takht Jathedar Giani Kuldip Singh Gargajj urging Pakistani authorities to take immediate action against the perpetrators. Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) National General Secretary Tarun Chugh also condemned the act as "deeply disturbing and barbaric." Chugh accused Pakistan of failing to protect minorities, especially Hindus and Sikhs, despite commitments under the Nehru-Liaquat Pact of 1950.

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