RAHIMYAR KHAN: Seven policemen kidnapped on Sunday morning from Machka area have been freed by police which launched an operation in which helicopter gunships were used.

Some outlaws were killed or injured during the operation.

According to police, most of the criminals managed to escape but their hideouts in the ‘katcha’ area along the Indus were destroyed.

A statement issued by the district police chief did not give details of the operation.

The public relations officer of district police said the rescued men were at a secure place but journalists could not meet them.

He claimed that the number of casualties among the outlaws had increased to 11.

He said the gangs involved in the kidnapping wanted police to free their accomplices arrested some time ago but their demand was rejected.

But there were unconfirmed reports that the kidnapped personnel had been recovered under a deal.

Published in Dawn, May 5th, 2015

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