SIALKOT – Sialkot deadly stampede now takes another turn, as police arrested TikToker Ansar Jatt, aka Mr Patlu, over allegations that the family of one of the victims was threatened at gunpoint to force a compromise in the case.
The arrest was made on Monday, in wake of fresh criminal complaint alleging that armed men attempted to silence the grieving relatives of a man who lost his life during a chaotic wedding-related gathering in Sialkot last month. The new case was registered at City Daska Police Station after Mohammad Abu Bakar, the brother-in-law of deceased Muhammad Rehan Arshad, accused Jatt, his brother and four unidentified individuals of involvement in threats and intimidation.
Sialkot District Police Officer (DPO) spokesperson Khurram Shehzad confirmed the arrest, saying the complaint accused the TikToker and his associates of attempting to pressure the victim’s family into settling the original criminal case.
The controversy started on October 30, when Ansar Jatt organised a high-profile mehndi celebration combined with a prize-distribution ceremony at Faraz Cricket Ground on Daska Road.
The event attracted hundreds of people, but the festive atmosphere quickly turned into panic when the stadium gates were opened and a stampede broke out among the gathering crowd. At least two people lost their lives in the tragedy, while 18 others sustained injuries, transforming what was supposed to be a night of celebration into a devastating incident.
Police subsequently registered a case at Motra Police Station, naming the TikToker, his brother, the owner of Faraz Cricket Ground, six other individuals and around 40 to 45 unidentified security guards. The deadly incident also raised questions about crowd control, security planning and the responsibilities of organisers hosting large public events.
The latest allegations emerged from an incident reportedly occurring on November 6, when the deceased victim’s relatives were mourning his death at a family residence in Galotian village.
Abu Bakar, a resident of Mafiwala in Gujranwala, said that he had travelled to his in-laws’ home with his family to offer condolences following the death of his brother-in-law, Muhammad Rehan Arshad. He said Four unidentified men arrived at the house at approximately 1pm and began pressuring the family to withdraw from the legal battle surrounding the stampede.
The situation allegedly escalated when Abu Bakar intervened and challenged their demands. He claimed that two of the visitors suddenly drew pistols, pointed the weapons at him and warned that he and other family members could be killed if they refused to reach a settlement with Ansar Jatt and his brother.
The complainant further alleged that the men attempted to prevent him from continuing legal proceedings by creating fear among the victim’s relatives. These remain allegations recorded in the FIR and have not yet been proven before a court.
After complaint, City Daska police registered separate criminal case against Muhammad Ansar Jatt, his brother and four unidentified suspects.
FIR includes Section 348, Section 109, Section 149, and Section 506-B. The fresh case has added another layer of legal trouble for the social media personality, who was already facing proceedings linked to the October 30 tragedy.
Wheelchair Court Appearance
Mr Patlu approached the Islamabad High Court seeking protection from arrest in connection with the stampede case. The court granted him protective bail until November 10, enabling him to approach the relevant judicial forum for legal relief.
During his appearance before the Islamabad High Court, the TikToker arrived in a wheelchair. Four days later, on November 7, he appeared before a Sialkot court, where Additional District and Sessions Judge Muhammad Irfan Naseem Tarar directed him to appear again on Tuesday, November 10.
What Happened at TikToker Mr Patlu’s Mehndi Ceremony that left 1 Dead, multiple injured?
Speaking about the latest development, Sialkot DPO retired Captain Dost Muhammad said investigators would examine the allegations objectively and ensure that all legal requirements were fulfilled. He assured that the investigation would be conducted strictly on merit, with the matter handled in accordance with the law.
The case has now moved beyond the circumstances of the deadly stampede, with investigators also examining allegations that the victim’s family faced threats while seeking justice.
