Ready to lead operation against criminals: Sukkur DIG

Says law of jungle will prevail no longer

SUKKUR: Criminals who want to surrender will be dealt with according to the law but those who continue to defy the writ of the state will be crushed with an iron fist, asserted the newly posted Sukkur DIG Azhar Rashid Khan, while talking to the media at his office on Monday.

The law of jungle will prevail no longer, he claimed. The official said that an extensive operation against criminals will be launched in all three districts under his supervision, which include Sukkur, Ghotki and Khairpur, with the DIG himself leading the charge, if need be.

Having taken over the new command three weeks ago, Khan said he has started taking corrective measures to improve the infamous 'thana culture', and urged citizens to come forward in case of any wrongdoing by the police.

"I am not making tall claims. My actions will certainly speak louder than my words," he assured citizens.

He explained that, after taking charge on January 27 this year, he directed the SSPs in Sukkur, Ghotki and Khairpur to launch an operation against criminals. During the last 25 days, 39 encounters took place with outlaws, which resulted in the death of four alleged dacoits and arrest of 34. Besides, he said, during the period, police managed to arrest 158 proclaimed offenders, 587 absconders and four others, while 18 criminal gangs were busted.

In those incidents, police recovered four Kalashnikovs, 12 rifles, 57 pistols, 247 bullets, besides recovering 22 stolen motorcycles and four vehicles, he informed.

In a crackdown against drug peddlers, police also recovered 55 kilogrammes of contraband, including hashish, and 132 bottles of liquour, he added.

He also informed the media about the killing of dacoits responsible for the death of a police head constable during an exchange of fire in a recent raid. Keeping in view security threats to schools, places of worships, and foreigners, he said the relevant SSPs have been directed to make coordinated efforts with other security agencies to ensure their security.

Following orders of high courts and in light of police rules, 160 police officers working in their home districts have also been shifted to other districts, explained Khan.

Published in The Express Tribune, February 23^rd, 2016.