ISLAMABAD: The Islamabad High Court (IHC) on Tuesday granted protective bail to TikToker Ansar Mahmood, popularly known as Mr Pattlo, in a case registered against him in Sialkot following a deadly stampede at his wedding celebrations.
Chief Justice Sardar Sarfraz Dogar approved the protective bail and directed Mr Pattlo to appear before the relevant court by November 10.
The court also restrained police from arresting him until November 10.
Mr Pattlo appeared before the court alongside his lawyer, Qasim Abbasi, in a wheelchair. He had filed the protective bail application through his counsel.
What’s the case?
The case was registered after a stampede at Mr Pattlo’s mehndi ceremony left two people dead and 17 others seriously injured.
The incident occurred on Saturday night at Faraz Cricket Ground on Daska Road in Punjab’s Sialkot district when the venue’s gates were opened and a large crowd rushed inside, causing several people to fall and others to be trampled, according to police.
The first victim, identified as 30-year-old Aqeel, died while being taken to hospital. A second injured attendee, Rehan, later died during treatment after being referred to Lahore because of his critical condition.
Rescue 1122 teams and police personnel shifted the injured to Allama Iqbal Memorial Teaching Hospital in Sialkot. Some victims were also taken to nearby private hospitals and clinics.
Police registered a case against Mr Pattlo and more than 40 nominated and unidentified people. Six people have been arrested, while investigations are under way.
TikToker denies responsibility
In a video message, Mr Pattlo expressed grief over the deaths and injuries, claiming the incident was an accident and denying responsibility for what happened.
He said his wedding celebrations were scheduled for October 5, 6 and 7, with the mehndi, baraat and walima ceremonies planned respectively.
The TikToker claimed the event had been organised for the public and that he had intended to arrange weddings for 20 underprivileged girls, distribute food supplies and give away motorcycles.
He also claimed he had obtained a no-objection certificate (NOC) for the event and had issued a warning 10 days beforehand, urging attendees to avoid pushing and maintain discipline.
Mr Pattlo further claimed he was not present at the venue when the stampede occurred, saying he was at a hospital undergoing an MRI scan after suffering a back injury.
He said relevant medical records were available to support his account.
Meanwhile, police have alleged violations of safety procedures and conditions attached to permission for the event.
Sialkot District Police Officer Dost Muhammad said those found responsible for endangering people’s lives would be brought to justice, adding that negligence in security arrangements would not be tolerated.
The district administration also cancelled permission for the remaining wedding festivities after finding that the event had not followed the approved schedule, according to media reports.
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