KARACHI: Police in Karachi have clarified the mystery surrounding a devil statue recovered from a shop in Mehran Town after a viral video sparked public concern.
The video showed a statue resembling a devil-like figure, which quickly circulated on social media. Authorities immediately seized the statue and moved it to a police station for investigation.
Officials later confirmed that the statue was designed to represent Baal, an ancient Near Eastern deity. Historically, Baal was worshipped as a storm and fertility god. Over time, the figure became associated with demonic imagery in later Jewish, Christian, and Islamic traditions.
Police said the shopkeeper, identified as Imran, was not present during the initial operation. The craftsman who created the devil statue was later detained and questioned to clarify its purpose.
According to investigators, the statue was made of thermocol and commissioned by religious scholar Allama Shabar Zaidi. It was intended for a Youm al-Quds procession on Jumatul Wida, the last Friday of Ramazan. During the procession, the statue was meant to be burned as part of a symbolic demonstration.
After recording the sculptor’s statement, police allowed him to leave. Authorities emphasized that the devil statue was not intended for worship but was a symbolic effigy prepared for a religious event.
The case highlights how social media can amplify public concerns quickly, prompting swift action from law enforcement. Karachi police have reassured citizens that no illegal activity or cult practices were involved in this incident.
Officials also advised the public to verify the context of such videos before assuming wrongdoing. The investigation concluded that the statue had cultural and symbolic significance related to a planned protest, not satanic worship.
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Police continue to monitor shops and vendors in the area to ensure similar incidents do not cause unnecessary panic in the future.
