Locals from Central Punjab hoping to go on a road trip to Karachi are often warned against the dangers of the long journey. While dilapidated roads and a lack of layover facilities are a major deterrent, the true risk often surrounds the existence of a bunch of criminal goons.
The Bandits of the Katcha, operating across South Punjab, have become a serious challenge for the government despite multiple operations. Previously, a notorious group known as the Chotu Gang was active in the Katcha region, but after a prolonged struggle, the government successfully eliminated it. However, over the past three years, bandits from across the country have launched a series of "honey trap" schemes in South Punjab, whereby women are hired to lure in victims under the guise of a romantic relationship.
The Katcha region comprises areas on both sides of the Indus River passing through Dera Ghazi Khan, Rajanpur, and Rahim Yar Khan. These areas have historically seen minimal government control, and for several years, various bandit gangs have established their own authority. Besides carrying out robberies, abductions, extortions and murders, these criminal gangs are also involved in honey trapping.
Despite dozens of large- and small-scale police operations in the Katcha areas of Rajanpur, no substantial success has been achieved. Gangs such as the Lund, Umrani, Sukhani, Lathani, and Dashti remain active in the region. Due to the riverine geography and the tri-border location, these gangs operate across Sindh, Punjab, and Balochistan. Since 2002, they have remained a serious challenge for law enforcement. Past intelligence reports have suggested that certain police officers, influential local tribal leaders, and politicians have been supporting these gangs.
A report summarizing the 2023 anti-bandit operations in the Katcha region concluded that the connivance of police officials had allowed the gangs to operate with impunity. Another confidential police report prepared under the supervision of the Special Branch, revealed that five police personnel, including SHOs of Kot Sabzal and Bhong, were not only found facilitating the bandits but were also accused of forcibly seizing agricultural land worth millions from local farmers.
Some members of the Punjab Police were also allegedly acting as accomplices to the Katcha bandits.
The report also revealed that during operations, innocent individuals were wrongfully detained in staged encounters, and bribes were taken. Those who refused to comply were threatened by the bandits. The report also alleged that CIA in-charge Muhammad Saleem was found to be a close ally of the bandits.
However, Punjab IG Dr Usman Anwar dismissed the report on the grounds that it was inaccurate and that the police were actively conducting successful operations against the bandits. “Several major gangs have already been dismantled, and the police are utilizing all available resources,” affirmed Dr Anwar.
In light of the deteriorating security conditions in the Katcha region, the Punjab Home Department has decided to hand over the vicinity of Rajanpur including Bangla Achha, Soon Miani, Katcha Jamal, Katcha Moro, and Karachi Katcha, to the Rahim Yar Khan Police.
Furthermore, the Punjab government has decided to launch a new police operation in the area. Punjab Police will be provided with modern equipment to confront the terrorists. For the Katcha operation, the Inspector General (IG) of Punjab has requested funds amounting to Rs1,791 million while a head-bounty of Rs10 million has been set for the most dangerous bandits, referred to as “high-value" targets.
“The sacrifices of the martyrs will not go in vain, and the operation will continue until the bandits are brought to justice. Fresh units of the Counter Terrorism Department (CTD) and police are participating in the operation,” affirmed the Punjab Home Secretary.
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