1 policeman killed, 2 injured in anti-bandit operation in Sindh’s riverine area

Sindh (Pakistan), August 30 (ANI): A policeman was killed and two others injured during an anti-bandit operation in the riverine areas of Sindh, a Dawn News report said.

For decades, organized criminal gangs have operated in the riverine areas of southern Sindh and central Punjab, often engaging in kidnapping for ransom. Although the army launched a major operation against these gangs in Sindh in the early 1990s, the criminals resurfaced when successive governments failed to maintain law and order in the province.

Earlier this month, the Sindh police and the Pakistan Rangers (Sindh) decided to intensify their joint operations against the bandits in the riverine areas of the province.

In today’s statement, the Sindh Rangers spokesperson said that the bandits opened fire on the police, resulting in the death of constable Lashari and the injury of two others. The victim, it was noted, was a resident of Kandhkot.

The statement further revealed that a “most wanted bandit” was killed in the return fire, while two others were injured and fled the scene, Dawn reported.

The slain bandit was allegedly involved in several first information reports and was the brother of another notorious bandit on whom the Sindh government had put a price.

The Rangers also surrounded the area and arrested another six suspects. The statement added that the operation to arrest the fleeing bandits was still ongoing and that their hideout had been destroyed.

This operation was launched following a surge in criminal activities by river criminals in Sindh and Punjab.

Last week, bandits attacked a police van with rockets in Rahim Yar Khan, killing more than 12 policemen and wounding several others, Dawn News reported.

In response, the Sindh and Punjab governments have promised decisive action against criminals in the challenging riverine area. On Saturday, Sindh Home Minister Ziaul Hassan Lanjar announced plans to launch a “massive clean-up operation” in the riverine areas once the flood waters recede.

Moreover, Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah and Governor Kamran Tessori on Tuesday took cognizance of the killing of journalist Mohammed Bachal by bandits in the katcha (riverside) area of ​​Rounti in Sindh’s Ghotki district. Bachal, a reporter for Awaaz TV, was shot dead by unidentified assailants in Ghotki’s Rounti area. (ANI)