RAHIM YAR KHAN: Dacoits from the Katcha area allegedly kidnapped a resident of Iqbalnagar locality in Bhong police precincts on Sunday night.

Reports said Abdul Maalik Mosani, a resident of Basti Eesa Mosani, was sleeping at home with his family when a gang of dacoits entered the house at around 2am and abducted him.

The family members attempted to resist, but the armed gangsters threatened them with weapons.

This is the second such incident within a week, following the abduction of two Hindus from the Bhong police precinct and another resident, Saleem, from Machka. Dacoits usually kidnap people from roads, orchards or through honey traps.

A police spokesperson said DPO Rizwan Umar Gondal has taken notice of the incident and a search operation has been launched in the area, led by the Bhong station house officer. He said a heavy police contingent has been dispatched and authorities are hopeful that the hostage will be rescued soon.

Earlier, on Friday, the DPO suspended a police officer from Zahirpir police station on charges of facilitating criminal gangs and ordered an investigation. The police spokesperson confirmed that official Shahid was involved in aiding criminals.

Meanwhile, a few days back, PPP MPA Mumtaz Chang presented a motion in the Punjab Assembly, accusing the police of failing to tackle the rising number of kidnappings in Sadiqabad tehsil.

Chang said after raising concerns about corrupt officers during a law and order meeting on Sept 23, 2024, seven people from his area were abducted and criminals attacked his sister’s house near the Sukkur-Multan Motorway (M-5).

He also revealed that despite the attack, no police assistance arrived for two days. Chang who spoke in the Punjab Assembly as well claimed that some SHOs were helping dacoits by providing them cover for their crimes. He demanded a military operation in the Katcha area to eliminate these gangs.

Published in Dawn, October 15th, 2024