In an anti-bandit operation in the riverine area of Sindh, one police officer was killed and two others were injured
Sindh [Pakistan], August 30: A police officer was killed and two others were wounded during an anti-bandit operation in Sindh's riverine areas, according to Dawn News.
Organized criminal gangs have long operated in the riverine border regions of southern Sindh and central Punjab, often engaging in kidnapping for ransom. Despite a major military operation against these gangs in the early 1990s, criminal activities persisted due to inconsistent law enforcement.
Earlier this month, Sindh police and Pakistan Rangers (Sindh) decided to intensify their joint operations against these bandits.
The Sindh Rangers spokesperson reported that during the operation, bandits opened fire on the police, resulting in the death of Police Constable Lashari and injuries to two others. Constable Lashari was from Kandhkot.
In the ensuing exchange of fire, a "most wanted bandit" was killed, while two other bandits fled with injuries. This deceased bandit was reportedly involved in numerous criminal cases and was the brother of another notorious bandit with a bounty on his head issued by the Sindh government.
The Rangers also detained six additional suspects and destroyed a hideout. The operation to capture the fleeing bandits continues.
The recent surge in banditry led the Sindh and Punjab governments to pledge decisive action. Last week, bandits attacked a police van in Rahim Yar Khan, resulting in the deaths of over 12 policemen and several injuries.
In response, Sindh Home Minister Ziaul Hassan Lanjar announced plans for a "massive clean-up operation" in the riverine areas once floodwaters recede.
Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah and Governor Kamran Tessori also responded to the murder of journalist Mohammed Bachal by bandits in Ghotki district. Bachal, a reporter for Awaaz TV, was shot dead by unknown assailants.