Cops defy orders, abandon operation against dacoits

As the provincial government doubles down on its crackdown against notorious dacoits, over 25 Punjab Police constables en route to the Rajanpur kutcha area threw in the towel, refusing to participate in the operation.

The officers, en route from the Farooqabad Constabulary, disembarked from their bus near the Zahir Pir Interchange, abandoning their assignment midway.

According to sources, Punjab Police Inspector General (IG) Usman Anwar had visited the kutcha area four days earlier to boost the morale of the troops involved in the operation.

However, the 25 constables openly defied their orders, telling their reserve in-charge, "We are responsible for our own safety; we will not go to the kutcha."

In response to this defiance, the in-charge recommended disciplinary action against the personnel who refused to carry out their duties.

IG Punjab confirmed that a replacement team from the Punjab Constabulary has already reached Rahim Yar Khan to continue the operation. "There are no more absentees among the personnel called for the kutcha operation," IG Anwar said.

The operation in the Kacha region follows a severe attack by dacoits four days ago, which resulted in the deaths of 12 police officers.

In response, the Punjab government, in collaboration with Sindh, decided to launch a joint operation in the area. IG Punjab Usman Anwar visited the Kacha region four days ago to boost the morale of the officers.

The region, notorious for its organised criminal gangs, has long been a hotspot for kidnap-for-ransom operations, with such gangs operating in the riverine border areas of southern Sindh and central Punjab for decades.