The Sindh Police on Friday eliminated 12 “wanted criminals” during an ongoing search operation against dacoits in Ghotki, including those who had bounties placed on them by the Sindh government, according to a statement.

For decades, dozens of dacoit gangs armed with sophisticated weaponry have operated with impunity in northern Sindh as well as southern Punjab. Kidnappings for ransom, extortion rackets that cripple local businesses, brutal killings and robbing people on highways have become a daily reality.

The Sindh Home Department’s statement said that the operation was carried out under the supervision of Sukkur Deputy Inspector General Faisal Abdullah Chachar, with Ghotki Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Anwar Khetran, Sukkur SSP Azhar Mughal, Obaro Deputy Superintendent of Police Abdul Qadir Soomro, and their teams actively participating.

“Twelve extremely dangerous criminals were killed, some of whom had bounties placed on them by the Sindh government,” the Sukkur DIG said. “A reward of Rs5 million was placed on the dacoit Shah Nawaz alias Shahu.”

The DIG added that police took custody of the bodies of seven dacoits, while five bodies were taken by their accomplices under the cover of darkness.

“The slain criminals were members of the Shar gang,” he said. “Around ten armed dacoits were also seriously injured during the encounter, and their accomplices managed to flee with them.”

DIG Chachar added that the dacoits were forced to retreat due to the strong and effective response by the police, and the search operation is still ongoing in the area.

Sindh Home Minister Ziaul Hassan Lanjar reaffirmed the government’s resolve that the Sindh Police will not rest until all criminal elements are completely eliminated, the statement added.

“Lanjar lauded the outstanding performance of Sukkur DIG, Ghotki SSP, Sukkur SSP, and their teams for conducting a successful operation against dacoits in Ghotki.”

“Your courageous actions and the operation have brought the police a truly successful outcome,” Lanjar was quoted as saying. “The elimination of dacoits, who were considered symbols of danger and fear among the public, has boosted the police morale.”

He further said that the Ghotki Police deserve appreciation for their effective control over law and order and commendable performance against crime, according to the statement.

Last month, at least 72 riverine dacoits surrendered to the authorities as part of the provincial government’s ‘Sindh Surrender Policy’, a press release issued by the Sindh Home Ministry said.

“Around 72 dacoits surrendered under the Sindh Surrender Policy, and laid down more than 200 small-scale and heavy ammunition,” the press release read.

The weapons included 62 G3 rifles, 97 submachine guns, 48 double-barreled guns, two RPG-7s, an anti-tank recoilless rifle and a 12.7mm anti-aircraft gun.