TIMERGARA, Nov 15: A group of the people pretending to be security personnel on Wednesday night looted a family at their house here in Badwan area of Adenzai.

Muzaffar Khan, head of the family, told Chakdara police that 14 people carrying weapons entered his house at midnight saying they were personnel of security forces and wanted to search the house.

He said the armed men later took all members of the family hostage, stuffed 96 tola gold, cash and prize bonds valuing Rs1.49 million, a Kalashnikov and other valuables in bags, and left.

Police registered a case against the unidentified robbers and began investigation. However, no arrest could be made until Thursday night.

Local residents said an organised group of robbers had been active in the area for a long time, but police had failed to nab them.

They demanded that the relevant authorities step in without delay to order a crackdown on robbers.

SPORTS GALA OPENS: The Degree Level Sports Tournament, 2012 was inaugurated at University of Malakand on Thursday.

The chief guest on the occasion was UoM Vice Chancellor Professor Johar Ali.

Also in attendance were UoM Registrar Professor Amir Azam, members of the faculty and the administration and students.

UoM Director (Sports) Professor Arif Naz told participants that majority of the colleges affiliated with the university were participating in the tournament whose major events were cricket, football, volleyball, hockey and basketball.

He said the UoM Directorate of Sports and Games would provide lodging, food and other facilities to players.

“The tournament will continue for two months,” he said.

The VC appreciated expressed satisfaction with the arrangements for the event.

He directed the relevant officials to provide all possible facilities to participants.

Also in the day, the VC inaugurated the multi-purpose sports gymnasium on the premises.