The Punjab government has announced Rs10 Million Rewards for the most dangerous Kacha dacoits as part of a strategy to tackle the persistent threat they pose. High-value targets are offered Rs10 million, while Rs5 million and Rs2.5 million bounties are available for other high-risk bandits.
This initiative follows a recent violent incident where a police van was attacked with rockets, resulting in the deaths of over 12 officers and numerous injuries.
Read more: 11 Policemen Martyred in Rocket Assaults by Burglars in Rahim Yar Khan
In response, Punjab has replaced the top police officials in Rahim Yar Khan. Rizwan Omer Gondal has been appointed as the new DPO, replacing DPO Imran Ahmed Malik, SP Muhammad Javed Akhtar Jatoi, and DSP Kaleem Ahmad.
Despite extensive efforts and substantial financial investment since the 1990s, the issue remains unresolved, with recent operations costing over Rs4 billion. Bandits frequently evade capture, only to reappear with increased strength.
Following the attack, a funeral was held for the slain officers, attended by high-ranking officials including Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi and Punjab IG Dr Usman Anwar.
Home Secretary Noorul Amin Mengal assured the public of the government’s commitment to eradicating the Kacha bandits, and visited both the attack site and injured officers at Sheikh Zayed Hospital.
The ongoing operation in the Kacha area, characterized by its dense forests and riverine belts, faces significant challenges.
In response to the recent violence, the Punjab government has deployed additional CTD and police forces and is considering using advanced technology to bolster the operation.
In a recent development, the main suspect behind the rocket attack, Bashir Shar, has been killed in a retaliatory operation. The coordinated effort by Punjab and Sindh police also resulted in injuries to Shar’s accomplices.
