Karachi police arrest mosque Imam for inciting violence, defying lockdown

• Imam of a mosque in Liaquatabad area was holding Friday congregation prayers despite a ban imposed by the government.
• Accused incited people for violence when police team reached the spot to arrest him.

(Karachi) Police arrested four people including Imam of a local mosque for violating lockdown imposed by the government and inciting violence in Karachi, media reported on Friday.

According to details, an Imam of a mosque in Liaquatabad area was holding Friday congregation prayers despite a ban imposed by the government from 12 noon to 3 pm. A large number of people also gathered in the mosque to offer Friday prayers.

When the local police knew about the matter, a team reached the spot to arrest the Imam. However, the mosque Imam incited the people for violence who attacked the police team. In a bid to save their lives, the police personnel fled from the spot.

Later, a heavy contingent of police force reached the site and apprehended the Imam along with three other accused.

The three-hour lockdown was put in place by the Sindh government to restrict people from gathering in Friday congregation prayers in the province. The move aimed to counter spread of coronavirus.

The lockdown in Sindh has been extended till April 14 in view of the increasing number of cases.