Probe on to unearth source supplying arms to dacoits

KARACHI:

The Sindh police have launched an investigation into the source of arms supplied to highway robbers (dacoits) operating in the riverine (kutcha) area of the province, according to sources.

Sources also told The Express Tribune that influential figures in Sindh procure arms from Balochistan, allegedly facilitated by deliveries under police escort.

The notorious dacoits in the kutcha area of Shikarpur district receive their weapons from Dera Murad Jamali and Naseerabad districts of Balochistan.

The investigation revealed that the illegal arms were intended for distribution among criminals operating in the kutcha area to instigate unrest in the province. The mastermind behind this illicit arms shipment has been identified as Ikhtiar Lashari, an arms dealer with a history of criminal activities, including multiple cases registered against him in the Garhi Yasin police station.

Jacobabad SSP Saleem Shah, however, confirmed the arrest of seven suspects, including three policemen from Shikarpur, in possession of the illegal weapons.

The investigation is now focused on determining how a police mobile and police personnel were involved in facilitating the arms delivery and how the vehicle reached the accused.

Published in The Express Tribune, April 21^st, 2024.