In a bold incident near Sargodha, armed robbers reportedly siphoned 80 litres of petrol from an oil tanker, police confirmed.
The incident took place near Kot Najeeb when the tanker, traveling from Qaedabad, had to stop due to a tyre burst. While the crew was changing the tyre, two suspects arrived at the scene.
Police said the robbers forcibly extracted 80 litres of petrol from the tanker and also snatched cash from the crew before fleeing the area. Authorities have registered a case and launched a search operation to locate the suspects.
Officials warned transport operators to remain vigilant, especially in remote areas, and advised drivers to avoid stopping for extended periods in isolated locations.
The theft of 80 litres of petrol highlights the rising incidents of fuel-related crimes in the region. Police officials stated that they are reviewing CCTV footage from nearby areas and coordinating with local law enforcement to apprehend the culprits.
The tanker crew reported the robbery immediately after the incident. No one was injured, but the crew members were shaken by the encounter. Authorities are urging anyone with information to come forward to assist in the investigation.
The provincial transport department said it is considering additional security measures for oil tankers, including GPS tracking and escort vehicles, to prevent similar incidents in the future.
Police also reminded drivers to ensure their vehicles are in good condition before travel to avoid vulnerabilities, such as tyre bursts or breakdowns, which could be exploited by criminals.
The investigation into the robbery of 80 litres of petrol is ongoing, and authorities are working to strengthen safety protocols for fuel transport across the region.
This incident serves as a reminder of the risks faced by transport workers and the need for enhanced security in high-risk areas.
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