SHABQADAR: Extortionists targeted the residence of the owner of a marble factory and marble engineering workshops in Subhan Khwar, Shabqadar in the early hours of Wednesday.
A police official said the extortionists planted an explosive device near the residence of Noor Alam, a resident of Ambar in Mohmand Agency, at around 1am. The main gate of the residence was destroyed in the explosion, but fortunately no one was hurt.
Though an FIR has not yet been registered, sources told The Express Tribune that unidentified extortionists had been demanding Rs4 million from Alam, who had refused to pay. They said not only marble factory owners, but all traders and affluent people had to pay extortion in Charsadda. Police arrested some suspects but let them off the hook due to lack of evidence.
A policeman, requesting anonymity, said there are more than 100 marble factories in Shabqadar and their owners pay Rs15,000 every month to extortionists. Sometimes, the extortionists demand millions and attack the houses of businessmen with bombs and rockets upon their refusal to comply.
A law-enforcement officer said they have been trying to persuade owners of marble factories not to pay, but the owners are afraid of the consequences if they resist.
Published in The Express Tribune, July 10th, 2014.
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