Ladi gang unscathed in operation

Ringleader, other accomplices still at large as LEAs fail to make headway

DERA GHAZI KHAN:

Police and law enforcement agencies continued their operation against the notorious Ladi gang in the tribal border area of Koh-e-Sulaiman and arrested a few suspects though no major breakthrough has been made so far and all 17 members of the gang are still at large.

A spokesperson for the Punjab Police said targeted operations of Special Operations Unit veterans were underway with the support of Border Military Police. The spokesman said several hideouts of the gang have been destroyed.

IGP Inam Ghani was in touch with Additional IG South Punjab, RPO DG Khan and DPO DG Khan has updated the IGP on the ongoing operation regularly and issuing necessary instructions. From DG Khan Police, DPO Umar Saeed Malik, SP Investigation, DSP Saddar Ejaz Ahmed Bukhari, DSP Nasir Ali Saqib and District Commander of Elite Police Force are taking part in an operation against Ladi gang.

Border Military Police, Rangers and police launched an operation last night. Teams are present around the ambush sites of the Ladi gang assisted by four bullet-proof vehicles, four APC and two drone cameras and IT experts.

The police destroyed the hideouts of the Ladi gang and set them on fire. District Police Officer Umar Saeed Malik said the mission assigned by the Prime Minister of Pakistan, Chief Minister Punjab and IG Punjab would be completed and the District Police would be on high alert at all times to protect the lives and property of the people.

The security forces and other law enforcement agencies demolished eight hideouts of the Ladi gang and their ringleader Khuda Bakhsh Ladi’s house on May 29. Forces detained and questioned several people on charges of facilitating the Ladi gang and Khuda Bakhsh’s grandfather Allah Bakhsh has also been arrested. Sources said the top operatives of the Ladi gang fled the area on motorcycles with weapons last night and moved to a safer place.

There are 200 FIRs registered against the 17 gang member including the ringleader Khuda Bakhsh Chakrani who is wanted in 38 cases. Forces have also taken the help of aerial surveillance from helicopters to arrest the fugitives. Regional Police Officer Captain (retd) Muhammad Faisal Rana, who oversaw the operation on the spot said, “Police and Pak Army have stood with Rangers against the enemies of this society. We are supporting the forces for the success of this operation. IG Punjab Inam Ghani is also monitoring the situation. Jamil Mamdani, an activist of the Ladi gang, surrendered in the area magistrate’s court and was arrested.”

On May 28, an operation was launched against the Ladi gang of outlaws in Koh-e-Sulaiman tribal area on the orders of Prime Minister Imran Khan.

Heavy contingent of Rangers, Punjab Police and Border Military Police reached the tribal area for the purpose Prime Minister Imran Khan and Punjab Chief Minister Usman Buzdar issued orders for immediate action after the reported brutal killing of some persons abducted by the gang.

The Ladi gang reportedly has hideouts on the mountains and local people say its members had made Dara Safido, a few kilometres away from the BMP police station at Kushuba, a no-go area. Armoured vehicles were also sent for the operation against the suspected criminals.

According to information received in this regard, a search operation has been launched against the Dara Safido area near Dera Ghazi Khan Cement Factory.

More than 500 personnel from Rangers, Punjab Police, Border Military Police, Baloch Levies and Elite Force are taking part in the operation along with armoured vehicles