Violent clash on GT Road leaves six injured

Locals want end to mini-bus stands popping up on highway

HARIPUR:

A violent clash between two groups of drivers of passenger vehicles left at least six people in critical condition on Tuesday.

The standoff was between drivers from the villages of Paharo and Kangra, at the bus stand located on the Grand Trunk (GT) Road. The conflict ostensibly stemmed over partisanship, with a large number of members of each group and their supporters gathering at the station.

As the situation escalated, the drivers used sticks and knives as well as firearms.

With the police informed, Station House Officer (SHO) Chanzeb Khan of the City police station sent a party to the location and ordered the arrest of those involved in the clash.

At least two people were referred to Abbottabad after being provided initial treatment.

Meanwhile, those living or doing business around the affected area urged the deputy commissioner of Haripur to immediate action against privately-operated ‘mini bus stands’ that have sprung up in the city along the GT Road.

The proliferation of such mini-stands along the GT Road were also causing significant problems to pedestrians and students. They also effect vehicular movement while also create situations where conflict is likely, said one resident.

According to another local, fights and violent exchanges had become a norm, while blaming the deputy commissioner for the deterioration of the situation.

Robbery gang busted

Police in Ghazi said on Tuesday they had busted a gang behind robberies in Hazara as well as districts in Punjab with four suspects in custody. They added that had seized four motorcycles, mobile phones, and two pistols from the suspect’s possession.

According to police, the suspects belong to Rawalpindi and Peshawar, and were involved in multiple robbery incidents across Punjab.

One of the suspects was said to be involved in a hold up in Serai village in which one man was deprived of his mobile phone.

Following the incident, a case was filed against an unidentified person under Section 395 of the Pakistan Penal Code (PPC).

The Haripur police chief intervened after the incident was reported. Following this, police arrested and interrogated multiple suspects.

Police said that a suspect, identified as Zabehullah Abdullah of Haripur, confessed to involvement in the crime. He identified one Shamal Mashal, Izzatullah, Ehsan alias Dilawar, and Dost Muhammad.

Police said the suspects had confessed to involvement in banditry in different districts of Punjab.

 

Published in The Express Tribune, August 30^th, 2023.