Gangs kidnap three tenants in Kacha

LAHORE: Three tenants have been kidnapped for ransom by the gangs active in Kacha area where operation Zarb-e-Ahan had been launched against Chottu gang who surrendered before army last year in district Rajanpur. According to DSP Rojhan, FIR has to be registered yet.

Spokesperson for the Punjab government Malik Ahmad Khan said intelligence-based operation would be held in Rajanpur. Moreover, Rangers would be deployed in Kacha areas because of its difficult terrain. He said police and Rangers will jointly take part in this operation.

Addressing a meeting held here Sunday, he said  these criminals would be eliminated through intelligence-based operation being launched in Rajanpur. Replying a question, he said deadline of the operation could not be given until the elimination of criminals.

Around 70 hardcore criminals are present in Kacha areas, who committed criminal activities in four provinces of the country as this area is located on boundaries. Since 2000 Kacha has been a safe haven for the dacoits.

Last week, dacoits had entered the village Hussain Rahwari of Tehsil Rojhan and held the residents hostage. Mehar, a resident of the village, was killed and two injured. As this news spread, MPA Sardar Atif Mazari along with his 100 men and Sardar Zahid Mahmood Mazari equipped with weapons besieged the dacoits but the dacoits fled in the dark of night.

In the start of this month (July), two truck drivers from Indus Highway were kidnapped by the dacoits. After one week on July 10, the drivers were released on the recommendations of local Sardar. According to sources, the drivers were released after negotiation between police and dacoits while Sardar played the role of mediator.

Since 2002 dacoits of different gangs, including Sakhani gang, Umrani gang, Dashti gang, Chhotu gang, Baba Laung, Bosan gangs etc had been active in River Indus area under patronisation of local Sardars in district Rajanpur. Police had launched operations against these gangs and they were arrested many times but released early on the recommendation of Sardars, sources said.

Ranjanpur District Police Officer (DPO), Ateeq Tahir said Zarb-e-Ahan-III has entered the decisive phase. He said on the left bank of Indus River, police contingents from District Rahimyar Khan and Sindh police are supporting us to restrict the movement of the Chhotu gang remnants.

Additional IG operation Punjab Mohsin Butt said it was not easy to eliminate hardcore criminals from Kacha areas. However, movements of the gangs have been made restricted. Their surveillance is being continued. When he was asked whether police held negotiations with dacoits, he responded in negative.