BATTAGRAM: A fire ravaged a house in Rajmera area, reducing it to a smoldering structure, while a separate blaze engulfed a van on the Hazara Expressway in Kas Pul area on Tuesday leaving it completely incinerated. No casualties were reported in either incident.

In the first incident, a mysterious fire broke out at the home of Gul Mohammad, with flames rapidly spreading and consuming everything in their path. Local youths and Rescue 1122 personnel swiftly responded to the emergency call, arriving at the scene to initiate rescue operations. Their prompt intervention successfully contained the fire, preventing it from spreading to neighbouring areas.

Meanwhile, in Kas Pul, a van travelling on the Hazara Expressway suddenly erupted in flames, with the blaze rapidly intensifying and engulfing the vehicle. Occupants, including children and women, fortunately escaped unscathed, evacuating the van moments before it was completely consumed by the inferno.

Meanwhile, during a press conference here on Tuesday, SP investigations Iftikhar Khan announced the successful busting of a notorious bike robbers’ gang.

He revealed that a special task force was constituted to investigate a surge in bike theft cases. Following a meticulous probe, the team apprehended a key suspect and recovered 11 stolen motorcycles, he added.

The SP noted that further investigation would determine whether the accused operated alone or had accomplices. “The breakthrough is a significant achievement for the police department, and efforts are underway to bring the perpetrators to justice and provide relief to the affected victims,” he said.

Published in Dawn, February 5th, 2025