Katcha operation yields surrender of 'high-value' outlaws

Police have intensified operations in the riverine "katcha" area, raiding the hideout of a highly wanted bandit as a sweeping crackdown enters its 13th day, officials said on Tuesday.

According to police sources, a team led by District Police Officer (DPO) Irfan Ali Samo carried out a targeted raid on the suspected hideout of notorious outlaw Tanveer Andhar in the Katcha Rajwani area. The police surrounded the location after receiving intelligence reports but the suspect managed to flee.

During the search operation, police discovered an underground tunnel allegedly used by the criminals to evade drone surveillance and air monitoring.

Authorities said the discovery highlighted the level of planning and resources used by gangs operating in the riverine belt.

DPO Samo said law enforcement agencies would continue pursuing hardened criminals while those willing to surrender would be dealt with in accordance with the law.

"Those who lay down arms will face legal proceedings, but stubborn bandits will be tracked down and brought to justice," he stated.

He added that the joint operation by law enforcement agencies in the Punjab and Sindh Katcha regions has been underway for nearly two weeks and has yielded significant results.

Over the past 13 days, two bandits have been killed, while 139 suspects have surrendered to authorities.

Among those who surrendered are 12 proclaimed offenders carrying head money ranging from Rs2.5 million to Rs10 million, as announced by the Punjab government, police officials said.

Authorities claimed that a major underground bunker, considered one of the safest hideouts of the gangs in the Katcha area, was destroyed during a surgical strike carried out by police.

The use of drones and precision tactics has continued as part of the operation to dismantle the criminal network's infrastructure.

Officials further said that around 90% of the area previously under the influence of dacoit gangs has now been cleared, significantly reducing the operational space available to the outlaws.