Three robbers killed as police clear 51,000 acres in riverine area

Punjab IGP says multiple hideouts of criminals destroyed

LAHORE:

Police claimed to have killed three dacoits during an operation in Punjab’s Kacha area, clearing 51,000 acres of land in the process.

Punjab Inspector General of Police Dr Usman Anwar briefed Caretaker Punjab Chief Minister Mohsin Naqvi on the ongoing operation, stating that multiple hideouts of criminals had been destroyed while 46 criminals, including eight injured, had been arrested.

The Punjab IGP further stated that the operation had been intensified, and fresh reinforcements sent to the affected area where the most dangerous gang, Qaabil Sikhani, was surrounded while a complete lockdown imposed in the area. Police checkpoints had also been established in the cleared areas, he added.

The chief minister expressed satisfaction with the police performance during the operation and praised the efforts of the personnel and officers.

He directed the police to eliminate the criminals in the Kacha area and establish sustainable peace while also preparing a plan for repairing of roads and bridges and other developmental work.

The Kacha area has been known for criminal activities for a long time, with gangs using the marshy land for hiding and conducting illegal activities.

Earlier during a news conference, the Punjab police chief had stated that the security forces conducting operation in the Kacha area had found evidence of the presence of the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) militants as well as separatists elements. Dr Anwar said that the operation in vast Kacha area was going on with the support of the country’s premiere intelligence agencies and the police forces of Sindh and Balochistan.

The Kacha (riverine) area in southern Punjab spreads over 15,000 square kilometres on both sides of the River Indus.

Published in The Express Tribune, April 29^th, 2023.