Man sets pet lion on electrician demanding payment for work

A caretaker set his pet lion on an electrician who demanded to be paid for work at a religious building in Pakistan.

Ali Raza unleashed the animal and then watched as it mauled Mohammad Rafique’s face and arm, according to a police report seen by the Dawn newspaper.

He is now facing a charge of attempted murder in relation to the incident on 9 September.

Mr Raza is said to have hired Mr Rafique for a job at the Sada-e-Imam Hussain congregation hall in the Shahdara district of Lahore.

When the electrician asked for his wages, Mr Raza told him to come back another day.

After repeated delays, Mr Rafique finally insisted on being paid. The caretaker is said to have become annoyed and released the lion.

Mr Rafique told police no attempt was made to rescue him from the animal by Mr Raza or three other men at the scene.

He was eventually rescued by passers-by who heard his cries, it is claimed.

The electrician said he did not initially file a complaint because Mr Raza promised to pay for his medical treatment and compensation.

He finally went to police on 11 October after that money also failed to materialise.

Police have lodged a case under section 324 of the Pakistan Penal Code.

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