The suspects of a notorious Dacoit gang that had escaped away from the CIA police station Lockup in Bahawalnagar were arrested after a search operation.

Three of the seven refugees were arrested the same night, while the remaining four were caught three days later.

The suspects, wanted in several cases of robbery and theft, had recently been detained in case number 122/25, section 395 of Pakistan Criminal Code (PPC) in Bakshan Khan. Instead of being held legally, they were allegedly stored in illegal custody at the CIA police station for ten days.

Even after their resumption, the police have been close to their identity and raised suspicion of the legitimacy of their catch.

Escape took place at Chand Raat, the night before Eid, when the CIA police station’s responsible was abandoned to the home, leaving only two constables, Abdullah and Ghaffar, on duty. However, one of them, Constable Abdullah, was absent, which just left constable Ghaffar to protect the entire plant.

By taking advantage of the lapse to safety, suspects succeeded in breaking out of lockup and fleeing.

After learning from escape, the Bahawalnagar police launched a search operation involving staff from three different police stations.

A police spokesman confirmed that while three suspects were arrested the same night, the remaining four were trapped after a three-day manhunt.

Senior police officers have taken a strict notice of escape and ordered the SDPO Chishtian Circle to conduct a thorough investigation. Preliminary findings highlight the negligence of the CIA police station and security extensions. Sources show that disciplinary action is expected against those responsible for supervision.

Escape and subsequent resurrection of the suspects have worsened concern over rising crime in Bahawalnagar. In the Manchanabad -Police’s Jurisdiction, near the Pakpattan district, the locals reported terrorized by Dacoits openly requires extortion.

The gang allegedly uses shots and other threats of scare residents for compliance. Disruptive video footage from affected areas shows helpless citizens asking for protection, painting a picture of lawlessness.

In Bahawalnagar City, meanwhile, events with violent crime continue to rise. On Chishtian Road, a citizen was assaulted and deprived of cash. Another robbery on Haroonabad Road left a victim without his belongings.

In Mohalla Farooqabad, a resident was physically attacked during a ripple.

The recent transfer of the Bahawalnagars District Police Officer (DPO) has further shaken the public confidence.

Since the new DPO’s appointment, crime rates have risen with the Station House Officers (Shos) and other officials who allegedly participate in bribes instead of tackling criminal activities.

By 2025 alone, Bahawalnagar reported over 100 cases of robbery and ripening, more than 200 motorcycle thefts and over 100 events with livestock and mobile phone theft.

Citizens who participate in open courts to file complaints face humiliation in the hands of bureaucratic mafis that create obstacles instead of facilitating justice.

Residents claim that these sessions are only held for photoops without any real intention to tackle public complaints. Insiders reveal that a powerful group of officials stationed in the District DPO office for years has a significant influence on police affairs.

This rooted lobby reportedly manipulates any incoming DPO, which prevents real reform efforts and enables a culture of corruption and inefficiency.