Two arrested for attacking BRT Peshawar guards

PESHAWAR: Police have arrested two people for trespassing on the Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) Peshwar corridor and beating up security guards.

SSP Peshawar Mansoor Aman and Deputy Commissioner Ali Asghar visited different stations and reviewed security arrangements. Two of the trespassers were arrested after identification by the closed-circuit television camera (CCTV) footage.

The people had taken to the streets Thursday night to celebrate Independence Day, when some revellers forcibly entered the BRT corridor and beat up security guards for stopping them.

Police had registered an FIR against the accused under Pakistan Penal Code for injuries and criminal intimidation of guards and damaging BRT property.

Police had received a request for action against BRT corridor trespassers and took prompt action. TransPeshawar, the government-owned company, has been formed to manage BRT operations.

A spokesman for the company said the mob didn’t damage the BRT machinery, but some revellers misbehaved with the company’s guards.

In a post on its Facebook page, the company said incidents had been recorded at stations and buses since its inauguration on Thursday.

“There have been incidents recorded at multiple stations and buses since yesterday. We are monitoring every minute of the service and shall inform everyone that ZU Peshawar services are designed to cater transport needs for the public,” it said.

“In coordination with the security forces, we will take strict action against the culprits and wrongdoers. Please take responsibility to protect this service and avoid any damages.”

Videos shared on social media showed a large number of people enter the BRT corridor on GT Road and many beat up guards and tear uniforms.

Prime Minister Imran Khan had formally launched the much-delayed BRT project on Thursday after which the bus service was opened to public.