The Islamabad High Court (IHC) has granted protective bail to TikToker Muhammad Ansar, popularly known as Mr Patlu, until November 10 in connection with a deadly stampede at a pre-wedding Mehndi ceremony in Daska, Sialkot.
The incident, which occurred on October 31, left two people dead and 17 others injured.
IHC Chief Justice Sardar Sarfraz Dogar issued the written order, allowing Ansar temporary protection so he could approach the relevant court and exercise his legal rights.
The case involves allegations of homicide by indirect cause, unlawful assembly, rioting and a death resulting from a stampede.
The incident took place at Faraz Stadium, where Ansar had organised a Mehndi celebration that reportedly attracted a large crowd following announcements of prizes, including motorcycles and a vehicle.
Initial reports suggest that inadequate crowd management and the use of a single entry and exit point contributed to overcrowding and the subsequent stampede.
Islamabad High Court Sets November 10 Deadline for Bail
In its written order, the Islamabad High Court noted that Ansar had surrendered before the court and intended to seek relief from the appropriate judicial forum.
The court granted protective bail to provide him an opportunity to approach the relevant court in accordance with the law. However, the relief is temporary and does not determine his guilt or innocence in the case.
According to the order, Ansar’s protective bail will automatically expire at the conclusion of court hours on November 10. He will therefore need to approach the competent court within the specified period to seek further legal relief.
Police Arrest Six Suspects in Daska Stampede Investigation
Separately, a Sialkot court has granted interim pre-arrest bail to Kashif Bashir, the brother of Mr Patlu, until November 9 in connection with the same incident.
Kashif reportedly obtained the permit for the Mehndi event held at Faraz Stadium. Investigators are examining the event’s approval documents and the arrangements made by its organisers, particularly the measures taken to manage the large gathering.
Police have arrested six people nominated in the case, while efforts to locate Ansar have continued. According to police officials, teams have conducted raids at his residence and other locations as part of the investigation.
The authorities are investigating the circumstances that led to the deaths and injuries, including the organisers’ responsibilities and whether adequate arrangements were made to control the crowd.
Police Seize 50 Motorcycles and Vehicle Arranged for Prize Draw
The investigation has also focused on the prizes reportedly announced for participants at the pre-wedding ceremony.
Police have seized 50 motorcycles and a high-value vehicle that were allegedly arranged for a prize draw at the event.
Investigators are examining the event permit, which reportedly did not mention a prize draw or provide details about separate entry and exit arrangements for participants.
The reported absence of designated access routes has raised questions about crowd-control planning at the venue. Authorities are assessing whether the arrangements were sufficient for an event that attracted a substantial number of people.
Mr Patlu Describes Stampede as Accident
Meanwhile, a video statement from Muhammad Ansar has emerged in which the TikToker described the Daska stampede as an accident and denied responsibility for the incident.
He also claimed that he was at a hospital when the stampede occurred. His statement comes as police continue investigating the event and attempting to establish the circumstances surrounding the tragedy.
The investigation will determine how the crowd became uncontrollable, whether safety arrangements were adequate and whether any individuals or organisers failed to fulfil their legal responsibilities.
The deaths of two attendees and injuries to 17 others have brought renewed attention to crowd management and public safety arrangements at large private gatherings in Pakistan.
The legal proceedings and police investigation will establish responsibility based on the available evidence.
