QUETTA: A policeman opened fire inside a police station in Quetta on Thursday, killing a suspect held on accusations of blasphemy.
The slain man was identified as Syed Khan. Police said he had been arrested the day before, after officers snatched him from an enraged mob, At the time, protesters had blocked traffic on the western bypass by placing burning tyres on the road and staged rallies in several parts of the provincial capital.
They later hurled a hand grenade at the Kharotabad police station, which exploded outside the police station, No human loss was reported in the attack.
“We have registered an FIR (first information report) against the blasphemy suspect and arrested him soon after receiving information about the incident,” a senior police officer said.
According to the complaint, a resident of Kharotabad used objectionable words against the Holy Prophet (peace be upon him). His alleged phone conversation was viral on social media, triggering sharp criticism and protests.
The police informed the protesters that an FIR was registered against him under Sections 295C and 34 of the penal code and investigation was underway.
Officials of the district administration and senior police officers after negotiations with the protester later managed to disperse the crowd and the western bypass was reopened.
