Lahore:
The locals from the central Punjab hoping to go on a road trip to Karachi are often warned against the dangers of the long journey. While fallen roads and lack of layover facilities are an important deterrent effect, the true risk often surrounds the existence of a bunch of criminal goons.
The bandits in Katcha operating over South Punjab have become a serious challenge for the government despite several operations. Previously, a notorious group known as the chotu band active in the Katcha region, but after a long -lasting battle, the government successfully eliminated it.
Over the past three years, bandits from all over the country have launched a number of “honey trap” schemes in South Punjab, by which women are hired to lure in victims under the guise of a romantic relationship.
The Katcha region consists of areas on both sides of the Indus River passing through Dera Ghazi Khan, Rajanpur and Rahim Yar Khan. These areas have historically seen minimal government control, and for several years different bandit bands have established their own authority. In addition to performing robberies, abductions, extortion and murders, these criminal gangs are also involved in honey catching.
Despite dozens of large and small police operations in the Katcha areas in Rajanpur, no significant success has been achieved. Gangs like Lund, Umrani, Sukhani, Lathani and Dashti remain active in the region.
Due to the river geography and the tri-boundary location, these gangs work over Sindh, Punjab and Balochistan. Since 2002, they have been a serious challenge for law enforcement. Previous intelligence reports have suggested that certain police officers, influential local tribal leaders and politicians have supported these gangs.
A report that summarized the anti-bandit operations in 2023 in the Katcha region concluded that police officers’ context had allowed the gangs to operate with impunity. Another confidential police report, prepared under the supervision of Special Branch, revealed that five police staff, including Shos from KOT Sabzal and Bhong, were not only found lightweight the bandits, but also accused of grabbing agricultural land worth from local farmers.
Some members of the Punjab police also allegedly appeared as accomplices for the Katcha bandites.
The report also revealed that during operations, innocent persons were unlawfully detained in staged meetings and bribes were taken. Those who refused to comply were threatened by the bandits. The report also claimed that CIA manager Muhammad Saleem turned out to be a close ally of the bandits.
Punjab ig Dr. However, Usman Anwar rejected the report on the grounds that it was inaccurate and that the police were actively performing successful operations against the bandits. “Several large gangs have already been wound up and police are using all available resources,” Dr. Anwar.
In light of the deteriorating security conditions in the Katcha region, the Punjab Home Department has decided to hand over the vicinity of Rajanpur, including Bangla Achha, soon Miani, Katcha Jamal, Katcha Moro and Karachi Katcha, to Rahim Yar Khan police.
In addition, the Punjab government has decided to launch a new police operation in the area. The Punjab police cause modern equipment to confront the terrorists. For the Katcha Operation, the Inspector General (IG) of Punjab has requested funds equivalent to RS1.791 million, while a main course of RS10 million is set for the most dangerous bandits, called “high value” targets.
“The victims of the martyrs will not go in vain and the operation continues until the bandits are brought to justice. Fresh units in the Counter Terrorism Department (CTD) and police participate in the operation,” confirmed Punjab Home Secretary.
