PESHAWAR: In a clash between the administration and protesters during an anti-encroachment drive in the congested Ghanta Ghar locality in the city, three persons were killed when they were crushed by a bulldozer. “We have ordered an inquiry headed by special secretary Siraj Ahmad to probe the incident,” Secretary Home and Tribal Affairs Syed Akhtar Ali Shah told The News. He confirmed that three persons were killed in the incident. There are reports that two others were also wounded. Eyewitnesses said that an anti-encroachment drive by the district administration was underway in the Ghanta Ghar bazaar, where a fish market and a food street are located in the narrow lane, when the locals staged protest against this campaign. The protesters pelted stones at the officials. According to reports, a bulldozer operator got panicked and tried to drive away. He hit three labourers while reversing the bulldozer. All three were crushed to death. The operator and staff of the municipality escaped the scene after the incident. The protesters turned violent and pelted stones and bricks at the policemen who had rushed to the spot to control the situation. Some shopkeepers told reporters that the panic was created after the police opened fire during which three persons were crushed to death by a crane.
