Police have launched a massive manhunt for TikToker Mr Patlo, whose real name is Ansar Mehmood, following a stampede at his Mehndi ceremony that left two people dead and 18 others injured.
Mr Patlo, who operates multiple TikTok accounts and reportedly earns money through livestreaming, had been celebrating his wedding festivities for several days and sharing pictures and videos on social media.
Ahead of the Mehndi ceremony at Faraz Cricket Ground on Daska Road, Mr Patlo’s team advertised a massive giveaway on social media, promising Rs20 million in cash, a car, 50 motorcycles, mobile phones and other expensive prizes.
The announcement attracted thousands of people, including visitors from Gujranwala, Gujrat, Wazirabad, Mandi Bahauddin and Narowal.
Videos circulating on social media show a large crowd attempting to force its way into the stadium as security guards struggle to control the situation. Some guards can also be seen using batons to push people back.
The resulting stampede claimed the life of a man identified as Aqeel at the scene, while another victim, Rehan, succumbed to his injuries on Sunday after being transferred to a hospital in Lahore. At least 18 others sustained injuries.
Rescue 1122 and other emergency response teams rushed to the scene and shifted the injured to nearby hospitals.
Event Permit
The district administration confirmed that it had initially issued a no-objection certificate (NOC) for the event but later revoked it over violations of the approved conditions.
According to an administration spokesperson, permission had been granted for a private gathering, including a devotional music programme, inside an enclosed venue on Daska Road. The event was scheduled to begin after Isha prayers.
However, authorities received reports of violations in the arrangements at around 4pm, prompting the deputy commissioner to cancel the NOC before the event began.
FIR Registered
Police have registered a First Information Report (FIR) against Mr Patlo and several others following the deadly incident.
The charges include causing death through negligence, violating government orders, vandalism, incitement and unlawful assembly.
According to the FIR, Mr Patlo used social media to invite the public to his Mehndi ceremony by promising expensive prizes, attracting an unusually large crowd.
The FIR further alleges that Mr Patlo appeared on stage and instructed the crowd to enter the ground immediately, triggering a sudden surge that resulted in the fatal stampede.
The case names Mr Patlo, Kashif, Malik Faraz and Shahid Javed among the accused, along with several security guards and unidentified individuals.
Where is Mr. Patlo
Following the incident, Mr Patlo reportedly went into hiding as police launched an operation to trace and arrest him.
Authorities have conducted raids on suspected hideouts and seized motorcycles reportedly intended for distribution during the giveaway.
The police operation remains underway, with efforts continuing to apprehend Mr Patlo and other suspects linked to the incident.
