Abducted policemen in Rajanpur rescued after successful operation

ROJHAN: Police has rescued seven abducted policemen in a successful operation against bandits affiliated with Attaullah Gang in Rajanpur’s Rojhan tehsil on Monday morning.

The operation that started late Sunday in the riverine area – Kacha Area – of the tehsil came to an end on Monday lasting for several hours, Deputy Superintendent Police (DSP) Bangla Achha Ramiz Bokhari told media.

The bandits had taken seven police personnel hostage in Kachi Maro Island of the Indus River after attacking police outpost with heavy weapons yesterday.

The gang had reportedly demanded immediate release of its detained associates against the abducted cops.

During the operation, police cordoned off a section of the river, sealing all entry and exit routes to the area. Heavy contingents of police and elite force commandos on late Sunday arrived in the area.

According to police, the bandits swam through river and managed to flee the area after taking advantage of darkness. However, the policemen were found unharmed, tied to the trees on the island.

The abducted cops were identified as Luqman, Zeeshan, Shakir, Sabir, Jamshaid, Safdar Naich and assistant sub-inspector (ASI) Muzammil.

On Sunday, the members of Attaullah Gang attacked a police outpost with heavy weapons, triggering exchange of fire, however, later the armed assailants captured as many as seven policemen, police sources said.

It merits to mention here that several gangs operate in the katcha area. Chotu Gang was one of the notorious gangs that surrendered before Pakistan Army during an operation last year. However, some splinter groups of the Chotu Gang have reportedly become active recently.

KATCHA AREA

Katcha area reportedly comprises several Indus islands that had been notorious as a lawless haven for the outlaws including kidnappers and bandits.

Chotu gang was the most prominent group among all that had its hold in the area but surrendered before Pakistan Army during an operation last year.