Attack on prison vans staged by Islamabad police: Gandapur

PESHAWAR: Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur has alleged that the attack on prisoner vans at Islamabad’s Sangjani Toll Plaza was a “staged drama” orchestrated by the Tarnol Police Station House Officer (SHO) who broke the vans’ windows.

In his statement, Gandapur accused the “illegitimate” government and Islamabad police of orchestrating the false incident to fuel unrest, warning that “such fabricated dramas must stop.”

“If you think you’re above the law, remember that we also have a provincial government. Today, one of our ministers, an MPA, and several government employees were granted bail,” he said.

Gandapur accused the Tarnol police SHO of breaking the prisoner vans’ locks and forcing detainees out as part of a “drama” to suggest an escape attempt.

“This is a warning: stop these antics. If you have detained people, ensure their safe return. If anything happens to them, the SHO of Tarnol, the DPO, DIG, IG Islamabad and the interior minister will be held responsible,” he said.

Unknown assailant attacked three prison vans at the Sangjani Toll Plaza during the transportation of prisoners to Adial jail.

The incident led to the escape of several detainees, including three PTI MPAs, who were later arrested by the police.

At least four police officials also sustained injuries in the attack. Islamabad police also claimed to have arrested four assailants.