RAHIMYAR KHAN/SUKKUR: A large group of outlaws kidnapped seven policemen on Sunday morning from a post in Machka area along the Indus.

According to Rahimyar Khan district police chief Sohail Zafar Chatha, about 40 robbers attacked the post at about 3am and kidnapped Sub-Inspector Mumtaz Billoo and six constables.

Sadiqabad’s Deputy Superintendent of Police Syed Ali Raza said the personnel were on duty at camp-2 between Rahim Yar Khan and Ghotki districts when they were attacked by the outlaws.

There are rumours that the attackers had taken away an armoured personnel carrier.

Police came to know about the incident after 7am when a person visited the camp to deliver breakfast.

A heavy police contingent comprising personnel from various areas of Rahim Yar Khan launched an operation in the katcha area. They are also reported to be using armoured vehicles.

Sindh police have also launched an operation in Raunti and other katcha areas near Ubauro in Ghotki district. A police camp has been set up in Machka area of Punjab along the Sindh border. A police post has been up on the Sindh side.

Mr Chatha said police commandos from Bahawalpur were also taking part in the operation. Two helicopters are shelling hideouts of the criminals. There were reports that a fire had broken out in an area where dacoits were hiding.

The official said the commandos would be dropped in the area.

He said 800 additional police personnel, including 200 commandos, had been deployed for recovering the kidnapped policemen.

Kashmore police have sealed the katcha area.

The movement of people living in areas along the river near Kandhkot has been restricted and they are not being allowed to use boats.

Kashmore Senior Superintendent of Police Umar Tufail said 30 hardened criminals had been arrested and about 100 advanced weapons and 10 motorcycles seized.

During an ongoing operation against criminals, Jarwar police station’s SHO Muhammad Hassan Kolachi was killed and two constables injured in a rocket attack on an APC a few days ago.

According to APP, Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif asked the authorities concerned to act swiftly to recover the kidnapped policemen and arrest the criminals involved.

Published in Dawn, May 4th, 2015

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