ISLAMABAD: TikToker Ansar Mahmood, known online as Mr Patlo, has reportedly been arrested in a police raid in Islamabad’s Gulberg area over the deadly stampede at his wedding-related event in Sialkot — but police and other law enforcement authorities have yet to officially confirm the arrest, and one outlet was still reporting him at large.
According to unofficial sources cited by Minute Mirror and Daily Pakistan, Mr Patlo was taken into custody in Gulberg days after the stampede, with the exact circumstances of the reported detention still unclear. Kashmir English, by contrast, reported the arrest as fact, saying police handcuffed the accused and shifted him to Sialkot for further proceedings. Until an official statement is issued, the arrest should be treated as reported, not confirmed.
The stampede took place on Saturday evening, October 31, at Faraz Cricket Ground on Daska Road in Sialkot, where a large crowd had gathered for a mehndi ceremony and a promotional prize draw organised by Mr Patlo’s team. The event had been advertised on social media with a car, 50 motorcycles and other prizes on offer. Police say a loudspeaker announcement asking attendees to enter the ground simultaneously triggered the crush, and that organisers breached permission conditions and safety procedures.
Two people were killed — identified as Aqeel and Rehan, with Rehan dying after being shifted to Lahore for treatment — and around 18 others were injured. Police registered a case at Motra Police Station (FIR No. 1335/26) against nine named suspects and around 40 to 45 unidentified security guards. Those named include Mr Patlo, his brother Kashif Bashir, venue owner Shahid Javed, and co-organisers Daniyal Munir, Munir Ahmed, Mohsin Ali, Irshad Ali, Abdullah Mehdi and Zohaib Mansha. The charges include provisions of the Pakistan Penal Code covering culpable homicide, rioting, disobedience of official orders and damage to public property, along with Section 16 of the Maintenance of Public Order Ordinance. Six people have already been arrested, and police seized the car and 50 motorcycles meant for the draw.
Mr Patlo has denied responsibility in video statements, saying he was not present at the venue when the stampede occurred, and later appeared in tears in an emotional video message. He has more than 814,000 followers on TikTok. Whether the reported Islamabad arrest marks the end of the search for him now depends on the official word that has not yet come.
Sources: Minute Mirror, Daily Pakistan, Kashmir English, Pakistan Observer, Arab News Pakistan, The Nation, Tribune India (ANI/Dawn).
