Sialkot Wedding Stampede: Case Registered Against TikToker Mr Patlu, Brother and Event Organisers; One Killed, 18 Injured

Police have registered a case against TikToker Ansar Mahmood, popularly known as Mr Patlu, his brother and several event organisers following a stampede during wedding celebrations in Sialkot that left one man dead and at least 18 others injured.

The incident took place on Saturday night at Faraz Cricket Ground on Daska Road, where hundreds of people had gathered to attend a Mehndi ceremony and prize-distribution event organised as part of Mr Patlu's wedding celebrations.

According to the FIR, Mr Patlu had invited people to the event through social media, announcing attractive prizes, including motorcycles and a car. The situation reportedly spiralled out of control after he announced over a microphone that people should enter the ground, triggering a sudden rush towards the venue.

During the ensuing stampede, a man identified as Aqeel, a resident of Budha Goraya, was crushed to death, while at least 18 others sustained injuries, the FIR stated.

The case was registered on the complaint of Station House Officer Mubeen Cheema under various sections of the Pakistan Penal Code and Section 16 of the Punjab Maintenance of Public Order Ordinance, 1960.

Police alleged that Ansar Mahmood, his brother Kashif and other organisers had violated the safety conditions attached to the permission granted for the event, contributing to the deadly incident.

The FIR also names the owner of the cricket ground and several individuals responsible for managing the gathering. Police said security guards had been deployed at the venue, but the large crowd eventually became uncontrollable, resulting in the fatal stampede.