RAHIM YAR KHAN: Three policemen were injured in an attack by dacoits in Katcha area of Bhong on Sunday night.

According to a police press release, the policemen were attacked in Basti Dangra of Hassan Bagh with in the limits of Bhong police station.

On receiving the information, a heavy police contingent led by Bhong assistant superintendent (ASP) and station house officer reached the spot and started a search operation to trace the attackers.

The injured policemen -- constables Altaf, Latif and Adeel -- were immediately shifted to the Sheikh Zayed Medical College Hospital, where the condition of Adeel was said to be critical.

RYK District Police Officer (DPO) Rizwan Umar Gondal visited the hospital to inquire after the injured constables and assured them of provision of the best treatment.

A police source apprehended that the dacoits attack on police might increase with the rise of water level in the river Indus in Katcha area due to heavy rains.

He disclosed that many police checkposts in the Katcha area have been abolished and the school established there for local children was no more there.

Sources say at least 11 gangs of dacoits involved in heinous crimes were operating in Katcha area and none of the gang leaders was killed or arrested by police in the “grand” operation there.

However, the police claim to have killed six notorious criminals during the operation in Katcha area, besides injuring and arresting 28 others. They have also claimed that five criminals have surrendered before the police.

On July 7, DPO Gondal, with Rajanpur DPO Dost Muhammad, had visited Katcha area and discussed the strategy against the gangs, ordering establishment of more police pickets in the area.

Meanwhile, police spokesperson Saif Ali Wains has rejected reports of killing of a police constable by dacoits in Katcha area.

Published in Dawn, July 11th, 2023