Punjab, Sindh unite for Kacha operation

RAHIM YAR KHAN/ KARACHI:

The Sindh and Punjab Police have resolved to launch a joint intelligence-based operation against the riverine dacoits operating in the border regions of both provinces, including Ghotki, Kashmore, Rajanpur, and Rahim Yar Khan.

In a related move, the Punjab government has increased the bounty on these bandits from Rs1 million to Rs10 million.

Speaking to Express News, IG Sindh Ghulam Nabi Memon disclosed that Punjab's IG Usman Anwar had reached out to collaborate on a crackdown against the riverine criminals.

Memon highlighted that both provinces regularly share intelligence to disrupt the sanctuaries of these dacoits and conduct joint ground operations against them.

Detailing his conversation with Punjab IG Usman Anwar, Memon stated that the police forces of Sindh and Punjab would commence a crackdown in the border regions.

He pointed out the difficulty in determining jurisdiction in the riverine areas, as dacoits tend to move to Punjab during an operation by Sindh police and vice versa. However, Memon said that the situation was different now, as both provinces were united in their efforts to take effective action against the outlaws.

Memon confirmed that preparations are complete for the operation after the dacoits' recent attack in Machka, which resulted in the deaths of 12 police officers. The crackdown will target three notorious gangs: Sher, Andhar, and Kosh.

SSP Ghotki Sammer Noor reported that the crackdown on bandits in the border areas of Sindh and Punjab is underway, with some dacoits killed and others arrested through coordination between the two police forces. He noted that the recent attack on police was a retaliatory response by the outlaws.

Punjab police sources disclosed that three dacoit gangs—Kosh, Sher, and Andhar—are actively targeting police. In addition, two notorious gangs led by Bux Ali Sher and Gudail Sher have also launched attacks in the border areas of Ghotki, Rahim Yar Khan, and Kashmore.

SSP Kashmore Bashir Barohi said the gangs of Rahib Sher and Tanu Sher had previously targeted police and are now receiving support from another group led by Yaqoob Mirani. Following the recent martyrdom of police officials in Rahim Yar Khan, additional personnel and armoured vehicles have been deployed to Kashmore and the border areas.

Police sources mentioned that the dacoits are exploiting the aftermath of recent rains, as 10 to 15 feet of water has accumulated in cracks around the Indus River, making it difficult for the police to reach the dacoits' hideouts in the riverine areas.

Meanwhile, the dacoits have taken missing police constable Ahmed Nawaz hostage, demanding that the police withdraw from the riverine areas and vacate their checkpoints.

They have threatened to kill the abducted officer if their demands are not met and released a video of the captive appealing to the Punjab CM, IG, and DPO Rahim Yar Khan for help.

An FIR has been lodged against over 140 dacoits from the Kosh, Sher, and Salra gangs following the Rahim Yar Khan ambush. The FIR names 131 attackers, with 10 others listed as unknown assailants. Charges include murder, attempted murder, and anti-terrorism offences.

Additionally, the Punjab government has raised the head money on riverine dacoits from Rs1 million to Rs10 million.

The Punjab Home Department has made public the names, pictures, and bounties of 20 notorious bandits, including Shahid s/o Kamal, Mujeeb s/o Aman Ullah, Wahab s/o Aman Ullah, Ghani s/o Ali Bux, Ahmer aka Shobi s/o Rasool, and others.