Inspired by violent TikTok, Peshawar youth kills boss for dismissing him from job

A young boy killed a shopkeeper in Peshawar’s Qissa Khwani Bazar for dismissing him from job. According to the police, the accused was inspired by violent TikTok videos.

The incident occurred on Monday. The suspect, identified as Mukhtar, had been involved in a series of arguments with the shopkeeper, Sheikh Adnan, who had hired him as an apprentice ten years ago.

Due to his fascination with violent scenes from TikTok videos and Pashto films, Mukhtar often caused disturbances in the area.

Frustrated by his disruptive behaviour, Sheikh Adnan dismissed Mukhtar from his shop six months ago, which angered him.

Mukhtar repeatedly pleaded with the shopkeeper to reinstate him, but the victim refused, explaining that he had already hired someone else to replace him.

Enraged by this, Mukhtar pulled out a gun and shot Sheikh Adnan. The shopkeeper was rushed to the hospital, but he succumbed to his wounds 24 hours later on Tuesday.

The police registered a first information report (FIR) at Kabuli Police Station and launched an investigation into the incident. Mukhtar was subsequently arrested by the law enforcers.

According to the police, the young boy had been heavily influenced by prominent figures on TikTok in Peshawar, who often displayed a threatening attitude and brandished weapons in their videos.