Christian man injured in Sargodha mob attack dies at Rawalpindi hospital

A Christian man who was injured after being attacked by a mob accusing him of desecrating the Holy Quran, died at a hospital in Rawalpindi on Monday, his nephew confirmed.

Rumors of a Christian man, Nazir Masih and his son being killed circulated on social media after mob violence erupted in Sargodha's Mujahid Colony on May 25 due to blasphemy allegations. 

The Christian man's nephew told the media that the victim was alive and well, but hospitalised.

The deceased succumbed to his severe head injuries. An autopsy has been conducted to determine the exact cause of death. The body will be laid to rest later today.

An enraged mob in Sargodha thrashed the 70-year-old victim from his home, tortured and abused him on the streets. Some members of the mob also pelted him with stones.

Videos circulating on social media showed several men attacking his home and burning and vandalising his belongings and a shoe factory.

District Police Officer (DPO) Khushab, and Regional Police Officer (RPO) Shariq Kamal Siddiqui, along with members of the peace committee and a large police contingent, arrived at the scene.

Officers in plainclothes rescued the victim and transported the injured man in an ambulance. RPO Siddiqui confirmed that more than 100 individuals were apprehended for inciting violence.

The incident sparked fear within the Christian community and led to protests in several cities against mob violence targeting minorities.

In August 2023, a violent mob accused a Christian man of blasphemy and then targeted the whole community in Jaranwala. The instigators then ransacked and set fire to nearly two dozen churches and homes in the area.