Jabalpur (Madhya Pradesh): Over half a dozen men set a pollution-testing van (Maruti Van) on fire on the Bhopal-Jabalpur National Highway-12 on Saturday. The attack was motivated by business competition.
The incident caused damage worth over ₹8 lakh as the equipment inside the van was completely destroyed. It occurred near Kisrod Toll Plaza on the Bhopal-Jabalpur National Highway-12.
According to information, two of the accused poured petrol on the van and set it on fire.
Luckily, the staff conducting Pollution Under Control (PUC) checks and the driver had stepped out of the vehicle shortly before the fire, saving their lives.
Sahil Patel, the van owner, said the attack was deliberate and caused by business rivalry.
Police investigations revealed that some of the accused also work in pollution-checking services.
Firefighters and Shahpura police arrived quickly after receiving the information. Firefighter Sitaram Pathak said the fire was spreading fast but was brought under control in time.
Shahpura Police Station in-charge Jitendra Patkar said police have found important clues about the suspects. Early investigations suggest the incident was due to competition in the same business.
The police are investigating further and have promised to catch the culprits soon.
The incident has created fear among locals, and people are demanding quick action against those responsible.
