Hunt for Van arsonists
Gangtok: The Sikkim police are hunting arsonists who set a Tavera Van bearing No. SK-02/8288 ablaze in the midnight hours around 11.35 pm on Saturday. The Vehicle reported to be owned by RamPrasad of Himgiri Hydro Energy Pvt.Ltd . The Van was half gutted by the blaze while being kept parked in front of Sonam House , development area of Gangtok.
And many local residents believe it could have been an attempt to create fear among hydel employees as they are involved into implementing Panan hydel project in Dzongu,Sikkim or it could be just handi-work of some anti social elements with no direct motive than just to cause arson. It is informed that attempt was made by dousing the ground around the vehicle with petrol than lighting it .A jerry-can with some petrol still inside have been recovered from the vicinity.
The leaping flames and thick smoke attracted the attention of people of locality who informed about it to Police immediately. One resident of development area said : "We could see this black smoke in the sky, so we went outside to see what was happening."
Development area Resident added: "damage was caused to the vehicle. The fire is being treated as suspicious, and Sikkim police are investigating. No arrests have been made although a case under Section 435 have been registered at Sadar Thana on written complaint of Pravin Kumar,project-in charge of Company". Police have seized the vehicle and Police sources informed that no major damage was caused to Vehicle.
Anyone with information is asked to call or contact Sikkim Police by dialing 100.
