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Attack on Driver and Vehicle Near Kalgan Sabzi Mandi
Police have registered a case against six unidentified men after a driver operating a low-cost, solar-powered passenger vehicle was allegedly beaten and the vehicle vandalised near Kalgan Sabzi Mandi in Mansehra . The case was registered at Lari Adda Police Station under FIR No. 813 on August 17 on a complaint by Asim, the driver of the vehicle .
According to the FIR, armed men intercepted the passenger vehicle near the vegetable market, assaulted the driver, and damaged the vehicle. The assailants later blocked the Karakoram Highway and staged a protest .
Dispute Over Affordable Transport Service
The incident comes against the backdrop of a dispute over a locally developed, low-cost passenger transport service associated with Mansehra resident Arif Inqalabi. According to the FIR, Arif had already faced a dispute with Raheel, a resident of Phulkiri, over the operation of the low-cost vehicle, and had allegedly received threats to his life following the earlier dispute .
Arif reportedly developed a shuttle-style passenger vehicle powered by solar energy to provide an affordable alternative for commuters. The service was being offered at a fare of Rs20 for a short route, while conventional Suzuki vehicles were charging around Rs50 for the same journey . The low fare reportedly attracted passengers, particularly daily-wage workers, students, and salaried individuals struggling with rising transportation costs.
Wider Debate and Investigation
The incident has triggered a wider debate among local residents over the difficulties faced by individuals attempting to introduce low-cost and environmentally friendly transport solutions without institutional support. Residents questioned whether innovative, locally developed transport initiatives could survive if operators were left vulnerable to disputes with existing transport operators .
While questions relating to permits, route authorisation, vehicle registration, and safety standards need to be addressed by authorities, residents said such disputes should be resolved through legal channels rather than violence. Arif’s supporters have called for an impartial investigation and protection for those associated with the service .
Police said raids are being carried out to arrest the six suspects, and further investigation is under way .
