Extortion-linked arson targets coal transport

QUETTA:

In a disturbing incident on Tuesday, unidentified miscreants wreaked havoc in Balochistan’s Harnai district by setting ablaze nearly two dozen coal trucks. The brazen attack unfolded in the picturesque Mangi Dam area of Harnai, where armed men first opened fire on the convoy of trucks before callously igniting them. Miraculously, no lives were lost as the drivers managed to escape unscathed. The targeted trucks were en route to various destinations across the country when they fell victim to this act of violence.

Responding to the distressing scene, authorities including Levies and police swiftly arrived at the location and launched investigation into the incident. Preliminary findings suggest that this nefarious act may have been driven by an extortion scheme, an unfortunately recurrent occurrence in the region. Regrettably, the culprits behind this heinous crime managed to flee the scene, evading capture. Transporters and truck owners, left reeling from the attack, are now demanding that the government take resolute action against those responsible.

Their pleas for justice are accompanied by a call for adequate compensation to alleviate the substantial losses they have incurred. Expressing deep dissatisfaction, they criticize the provincial government and police for their failure to safeguard the lives and assets of truck owners. They have urged the government to promptly intervene, ensuring the apprehension and prosecution of the perpetrators involved.