18 more dacoits surrender in Rajanpur

Punjab Police on Monday reported a major breakthrough in its ongoing crackdown against criminal gangs operating in the riverine (kacha) areas of southern Punjab, stating that 18 more highly wanted dacoits surrendered before police in Rajanpur, raising the total number of surrenders over the past two days to 29.

According to a Punjab Police spokesperson, the latest group includes several notorious gang leaders active in the kacha belt.

Among them are Wahab Lund, who carried a head money of Rs10 million, and Shahdin Lund, wanted with a bounty of Rs5 million.

The suspects reportedly laid down their arms during a continued intelligence-based operation targeting criminal hideouts in the riverine areas.

Earlier, Rajanpur police had confirmed that 11 dacoits, along with weapons, had surrendered during the same operation.

Police said the crackdown is part of a broader strategy to dismantle organised criminal networks entrenched in the kacha areas, which have long been linked to kidnapping for ransom, armed robbery, murder and attacks on law enforcement personnel.

District Police Officer (DPO) Rajanpur Muhammad Imran said the surrendered suspects were wanted in multiple serious cases, including the killing of police officials, targeted murders, kidnappings for ransom and robberies.

"All legal requirements will be fulfilled, and the accused will be produced before courts to ensure they are dealt with in accordance with the law," he said.