Punjab Police have killed two suspected dacoits, Shah Mir alias Meera and Hakim Kosh during an operation in the Katcha area.
The two had been identified as the main accused in the martyrdom of 12 policemen in the Katcha Machka area last year during an ongoing crackdown against criminals in the riverine region.
According to officials, the operation, led by District Police Officer (DPO) Rizwan Umar Gondal, involved a heavy contingent of police, including commandos and armored vehicles.
The raid targeted the hideouts of dacoits near the Sindh border, where an intense exchange of fire took place.
The criminals attempted to flee towards Sindh, but the police neutralised the two key suspects. Following the operation, the police burned down the criminals' hideouts and continued their pursuit of the remaining gang members.
Punjab Inspector General of Police (IGP) Dr Usman Anwar congratulated the Rahim Yar Khan police, terming the elimination of the main accused in the Katcha Machka incident a significant step towards justice.
DPO Gondal said such operations would continue until all miscreants and terrorists in the area would be brought to justice.
The Katcha Machka incident last year was one of the deadliest attacks on the police in recent history.
On August 24, 2024, a police team was ambushed near Shahoo Kosh's house while returning from a camp. The attackers, armed with rocket launchers, rifles and other heavy weapons, had martyred 12 police officials and injured nine others.
The attackers had also abducted an official, Ahmed Nawaz, and stolen police firearms during the assault.
An FIR had bene registered at the Machka police station, nominating 131 suspects from the Kosh Sailar and Andhar gangs. The case included charges of terrorism, murder, kidnapping, and other offences.
The attack was reportedly led by gang leaders Lakhi Mani and Guddu Kosh, who remain at large.
On January 3, the police had killed Mir Hassan alias Bega Chandia, a member of the Andhar Gang.
Hassan had also been involved in the Katcha Machka incident. A Kalashnikov rifle and hundreds of bullets had been seized from his possession.
Vowing to continue intelligence-based action until all criminals operating in the area were eliminated, the IGP said the police were conducting targeted operations with armored vehicles and heavy weapons, ensuring the safety of personnel while dismantling criminal networks.
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