Cop shot dead at Ghotki check-post

Bandits decamped with G-3 rifles and ammunition after assault

HYDRABAD:

A young policeman, preparing for competitive exams, was shot dead by alleged dacoits during an assault on a police checkpoint within the jurisdiction of Katcho Baandi police station in Ghotki district on Friday.

The victim, Ali Bux Pitafi was reportedly alone at the Tabbi Mines police checkpoint when he was ambushed.

The assailants managed to escape, taking with them four G-3 rifles and ammunition. The newly appointed district police chief, SSP Munir Khuhro, dispatched several police teams to arrest the assailants.

The body of the cop was transported to Taluka Hospital Ghotki. His funeral prayer was held at the police ground, and he was given a guard of honour.

Arif Pitafi, the father of the deceased, said with tears in his eyes, "My sadness is compounded by the fact that my son was attacked by dacoits while he was alone at the checkpoint."

He further said, "I would not be sad if my son had embraced martyrdom after a confrontation with the dacoits, even if he was alone at the checkpoint."

Arif raised questions about why no other police personnel were present at the checkpoint.

Published in The Express Tribune, September 9^th, 2023.