42 dacoits killed in Katcha operations

LAHORE: Police have killed 42 dacoits, injured 86, and arrested 91 others in ongoing intelligence-based operations across the Katcha areas, according to official data shared by District Police Officer (DPO) Irfan Ali Samo.

He said 20 outlaws had also surrendered, while 67 facilitators were apprehended during the crackdown.

Police efforts successfully foiled kidnapping attempts involving 732 citizens targeted through honey-trap schemes.

District Police Officer Samo said that extensive operations were continuing in the Katcha belt to eliminate criminal gangs and restore peace.

At present, 388 officers from the district police, 371 from the Punjab Constabulary, and 464 from 58 Elite Force teams are deployed in the area.

The deployed personnel are equipped with 532 bulletproof jackets and helmets, four thermal and 12 drone cameras, 18 bulletproof vehicles, five armoured carriers, seven heavy 12.7 rifles, 86 LMGs, 776 G-3 rifles, and 1,085 SMGs.

To strengthen operational capacity, six riverine posts have been constructed at a cost of Rs1.65 million, while work on nine more worth Rs354 million is in progress.

The district police officer added that 922 officers deployed in Katcha, including 347 from Rahimyar Khan and 575 from other districts, are receiving hard area allowances.

Police reaffirmed their resolve to maintain law and order in the region and ensure lasting

peace through continued vigilance and coordinated action.