SARGODHA: The tent pegging competition by the district administration as part of the Jashn-i-Baharan (spring festival) celebrations at Mela Mandi Ground came to an end with a closing ceremony on Friday.

GOC 3 Air Defence Maj-Gen Julian Moazzam James, Commissioner Jahanzeb Awan and Regional Police Officer Dr Shahzad Asif Khan were specialguests at the closing event.

Deputy Commissioner retired Capt Muhammad Waseem, DPO Muhammad Sohaib Ashraf, MPAs Sardar Asim Sher Maken and Safdar Sahi, along with other officers and alarge number of spectators, were also present.

The dignitaries appreciated the performances of the participants and distributed prizes among the winners. The prizes of Rs150,000, Rs100,000 and Rs50,000 were awarded to the first three winning teams, while cash prizes were also given to winners.

Speaking at the event, Major General James said the festival showcased the region`s rich cultural and civil traditions, provided healthy entertainment and helped promote agriculture, livestock and sports. He said the Pakistan Army would continue to support such positive civil initiatives. The crowd also enjoyed traditional bhan-gra performances by supporters of the victorious riders.

Rider Aroob Awan stood out in the individual category. She drew applause from the crowd.

GANG BUSTED: Police arrested a two-member robbery gang and recovered stolen items worth more than Rs7 million from them. According to police sources, suspects Akhtar and Ijaz were arrested during a crackdown and were found in possession of stolen gold jewel1ery and cash worth over Rs7.3 million. The police registered cases against them and further investigations are under way.

In another operation, Bhalwal Sadar police arrested Allah Ditta and Zamrud and seized a carbine and a 30-borepistol from them. Similarly, Jhal Chakian Police arrested Sabir and Athar and recovered a Kalashnikov and a 30-bore pistol. Separate cases were registered under illegal weapons possession laws.

FESCO: Two armed brothers from the Nangiana group in Dharima village, along with their accomplices, allegedly beat an assistant lineman of the Faisalabad Electric Supply Company (Fesco) recovery team during a drive against electricity bill defaulters and fled after robbing him.

According to sources, officials of the Aziz Bhatti Town Fesco Sub-Division were conducting recovery operations in Dharima village on KhushabRoad when Muhammad Mazhar and Muhammad Amir, armed brothers from the Nangiana group, along with three associates, attacked a lineman.

The attackers reportedly beat and tortured him, snatched Rs286,590 and a mobile phone, tore official records, threatened him with dire consequences, and fled the scene.

Following the circulation of a video showing the assault, police took notice of the incident. Jhal Chakian Police registered a case against five suspects under sections 382, 353, 186,148and149 ofthe Pakistan Penal Code on the complaint of SDO Sajjad Ali, citing the victim`s medical report. The investigation is under way.