ISLAMABAD – TikToker Ansar Mehmood, aka Mr Patlu, has reportedly arrested in Islamabad’s Gulberg area amid investigation into a stampede at his mehndi celebrations that left two people dead and around 18 injured in Sialkot.
Earlier police updates confirmed six arrests in the case and said efforts were continuing to locate the TikToker and other suspects. The tragedy unfolded at Faraz Cricket Ground, also known as Faraz Sports Stadium, on Daska Road, where a wedding celebration and heavily advertised prize draw attracted a large crowd. Promotions promised a car, 50 motorcycles and other gifts.
What began as a festive gathering turned into a deadly crowd crush near the entrance. The deceased were identified as Aqeel and Rehan. Rehan reportedly succumbed to his injuries after being transferred to Lahore for treatment.
According to preliminary police findings, organisers used social media to encourage widespread attendance but failed to ensure adequate arrangements for the gathering.
Police said a loudspeaker announcement directing attendees to enter the ground simultaneously triggered a rush towards the entrance. Investigators alleged that organisers violated permission conditions and safety procedures, leaving the crowd inadequately managed.
The disorder also disrupted traffic on the Daska–Sialkot road, while damage to public and private property was reported. Police subsequently seized the car and 50 motorcycles intended for the prize draw.
Sialkot District Police Officer Dost Muhammad said six people involved in managing the event had been arrested and teams were pursuing the remaining suspects. He said those responsible for safety lapses would face action without discrimination.
A case was registered at Motra Police Station on the complaint of a police officer against nine named suspects and approximately 40–45 unidentified security guards.
Published accounts identify the named suspects as Ansar Mehmood alias Mr Patlu, his brother Kashif, venue owner Haji Shahid Javed, Daniyal, Munir Ahmed, Mohsin Ali, Irshad Ali, Abdullah and Zohaib Mansha. Some accounts carry variations in their full names.
Accounts of the police complaint also describe misuse of loudspeakers, road obstruction and damage to motorcycles. Attendees reportedly complained of missing mobile phones, cash and documents during the chaos. The district administration said the original permission covered a private gathering inside an enclosed venue, including a devotional music programme scheduled after Isha prayers.
Officials said reports of violations emerged around 4pm, prompting Deputy Commissioner Awais Mushtaq to revoke the no-objection certificate before the event began.
That account places the status of the event’s permission at the centre of the investigation, alongside questions over crowd management and the announcement that allegedly prompted the rush.
In a video statement, Mr Patlu denied responsibility and claimed he was not at the venue when the stampede occurred.
He said a back injury sustained while playing cricket had left him unable to walk and maintained that he would appear before police once his health improved. He also appealed to Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz and Field Marshal Asim Munir for intervention.
TikToker insisted that he got permission for the gathering. Accounts of his statement also report his claim that he was at a hospital and had cancelled the event himself. His denial of being present conflicts with published accounts of the FIR alleging that he made the announcement urging attendees to enter the ground. Neither version has been established through a judicial finding.
The investigation continues into the circumstances of the deaths, the organisers’ compliance with permission conditions and the responsibility of those managing entry to the venue.
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