Lahore, March 27, 2026 – The CLAAS team received reports of a tragic incident in Babu Wala Cross Colony, where a 24-year-old Christian man was allegedly murdered by Muslim individuals. Upon receiving the information, the team promptly visited the scene and met with the victim's brother, Samuel Sandhu, son of Shoukat Masih.
Samuel Sandhu, a resident of Babu Wala Cross Colony near Bait-Eniya Church, Lahore, lives with his parents, an unmarried 17-year-old sister named Yaroosa, and his younger brother Salatiail, aged 24, who tragically lost his life in the incident. Samuel is married with two minor children, while two of his sisters are already married. The family has been residing in the area since 2007.
Salatiail had been working diligently as a waiter at a local marriage hall for the past six years. According to Samuel, his brother was well-regarded by the establishment's owner, Ali Shahbaz, and other staff members, with the owner frequently entrusting him with personal errands due to his reliability.
The dispute traces back to a property conflict involving Ali Shahbaz, who owns an empty plot approximately 1,000 yards from the marriage hall. The neighboring plot, owned by Muhammad Asif, had been rented to someone who kept buffalo there and allegedly disposed of waste onto Shahbaz's property. Despite repeated complaints to Muhammad Asif, the issue remained unresolved.
On March 13, 2026, Ali Shahbaz called Salatiail and another individual, Muhammad Ijaz, to the marriage hall for work. After completing their tasks, Shahbaz took both men to Muhammad Asif's residence to again address the ongoing grievance. The situation escalated when Muhammad Asif and his brothers, Muhammad Awais and Muhammad Bilal, became enraged and a violent altercation ensued.
During the confrontation, Muhammad Asif and his brothers allegedly stabbed Salatiail severely and also attacked his friend Muhammad Ayaz. While Muhammad Ayaz managed to flee the scene, Salatiail sustained critical injuries and collapsed unconscious. Samuel arrived at the location and rushed his brother to the hospital via a 1122 ambulance. Tragically, Salatiail succumbed to his injuries before reaching the hospital.
On the same day, Samuel Sandhu filed an application at Police Station Defence C, resulting in the registration of FIR No. 639/2026 under Sections 302, 324, 109, and 34 of the Pakistan Penal Code.
Police have arrested one suspect, Muhammad Awais. Meanwhile, the two other accused individuals, Muhammad Asif and Muhammad Bilal, have filed pre-arrest bail petitions before the District and Sessions Court in Lahore.
The CLAAS team continues to monitor the case and stands in solidarity with the bereaved family, advocating for justice and accountability.
