DERA ISMAIL KHAN: Multiple power transformers have been stolen from various areas of Prova tehsil, raising concerns among residents as the region is in grip of excessive electric loadshedding.

The region, already reeling from 22-hour-long power outages, has seen a surge in criminal activity. The police have registered a report of these theft incidents and started an investigation, but so far no arrest has been made in this regard.

In recent incidents, thieves removed a 25KV transformer from Jhuk Jaana area of Prova union council, a 50KV transformer from Chah Prova, and two 50KV transformers from Chhamb area. Just the other night, thieves struck again, stealing a transformer from the Kacha Hazara area. Although locals attempted to chase the culprits, they managed to escape under the cover of darkness.

Additionally, reports emerged of a water motor belonging to a resident, Allah Wasaya Arain, being stolen during this wave of thefts.

These recurring incidents have caused fear and frustration among the public, who are demanding immediate action from Prova police to curb the rising crime rate and ensure security in the area.

WOMAN KILLED: A woman was killed and four passengers were injured when armed suspects opened fire at a passenger bus going from Quetta to Islamabad near Gandi Ashiq Morr on Dera-Daraban Road on Friday.

According to the police, the attackers attempted to stop one of the buses, and upon the driver’s refusal to halt, they opened fire, resulting in the death of a woman passenger and injuries to four others.

They said the suspects also stopped other buses in the area, looting passengers of their cash and valuables. In a separate attack, they pelted stones at a bus, shattering its windows. The culprits fled the scene before law enforcement could arrive.

Daraban police led by SHO Abdullah Khan reached the location with an armoured personnel carrier and launched a search operation for the attackers.

A report of the robbery and shooting has been filed. The incident has raised concerns over the safety of travellers along this route.

Published in Dawn, December 29th, 2024