Dacoits escape with weapons of Khairpur police

Three police officials held by suspects near Garhi Mori, later freed after shootout

SUKKUR: Three officials of the Khairpur police were taken hostage by unidentified dacoits near Garhi Mori within the limits of Sobhodero police station late Monday night.

However, after an exchange of fire with another police team, the dacoits released the police officials but took away their weapons.

According to sources, Sobhodero SHO Ali Muhammad Mahar and two police teams had reached the spot after receiving a tip-off regarding the presence of a gang of alleged dacoits.

Read: Police action: Three ‘dacoits’, one policeman killed in encounters

The two teams were positioned separately and were waiting for the dacoits in the area. A group of armed suspects took the team led by the SHO hostage and were trying to escape with them when the policemen screamed for help.

Hearing their pleas, the other police team opened fire, which was returned by the dacoits. After a brief encounter, the dacoits managed to escape, leaving the policemen behind.

However, they took away their weapons, said sources. When informed, the Piryalo and Babarlo police also reached the spot and started searching for the dacoits, but returned after losing their footprints near the river.

When contacted, the personal staff officer of Khairpur SSP Asghar Thebo confirmed the incident and said that the dacoits had taken the SHO and two other policemen hostage and snatched their weapons.

However, he added, the dacoits fled leaving behind the police officials and their weapons when the other police party opened fire.

Meanwhile, journalists in the area insisted that the dacoits took the weapons with them.