TAXILA: Police have booked more than 250 unidentified people on charges ranging from rioting and obstructing police to damaging and allegedly removing government barriers at Attock Bridge, with some of the equipment allegedly thrown into the river during a confrontation, according to an FIR registered at Attock Khurd Police Station.

The case was registered on the complaint of an ASI, who said he and other police personnel were deployed at the bridge when a crowd of around 250 people approached from the Peshawar side.

According to the FIR, the crowd, comprising people believed to be from the nearby Khairabad and Jahangira areas, was allegedly carrying sticks and iron rods and chanting provocative slogans. Police alleged that the gathering turned into an unlawful assembly and that participants threatened personnel and pelted them with stones in an attempt to force them to abandon their posts.

The complainant alleged that barriers and other logistical equipment installed at the bridge to maintain law and order were damaged and removed. Some items were allegedly thrown into the river, while others were allegedly taken away.

Police said attempts were made to persuade the crowd to disperse, but the alleged violence continued. The gathering was subsequently dispersed and the situation brought under control, the FIR said.

The police have also relied on video footage of the incident to identify those involved. Although the FIR names no individual suspect, it says people from the adjoining areas could be identified if brought before the complainant.

The case has been registered under Sections 379, 427, 186, 353, 506, 188, 148 and 149 of the Pakistan Penal Code, covering alleged theft, damage to property, obstruction and assault against public servants, criminal intimidation, disobedience of a lawful order and rioting.

Police also invoked Section 188 in connection with the alleged violation of restrictions imposed under Section 144 in the district.

Published in Dawn, September 28th, 2026