DERA GHAZI KHAN/RAHIM YAR KHAN: Twenty-three wanted Katcha dacoits surrendered in Rajanpur and two in Rahim Yar Khan on Tuesday during the ongoing operation in the two districts.

Rajanpur DPO Muhammad Imran said that ringleaders from various criminal gangs were among those who had surrendered.

“These gangsters were wanted in cases of police martyrdom, murder, kidnapping and robbery,” he said, adding that the surrendered gangsters would be prosecuted in accordance with the law.

At least 23 more dacoits surrendered to the police in Rajanpur, bringing the total number to 52 during the operation in the district. On Monday, 29 gangsters had surrendered along with their weapons.

A large-scale police operation continues in the Katcha areas of Rajanpur, with drones being deployed to target their hideouts. During the operation, seven hideouts were destroyed and numerous gangsters were seriously injured.

Meanwhile, two notorious dacoits, Qabil Sakhani and Morzada Dashti, each carrying a head money of Rs10 million, also surrendered to police in the Katcha area of Rahim Yar Khan.

DPO Irfan Ali Samoon said the drone operation in the Katcha area had yielded significant success, adding that both dacoits, who had been actively fighting against the police for a long time, laid down their weapons and voluntarily surrendered.

The DPO urged the remaining dacoits hiding in the forest areas to surrender their weapons and present themselves before the law and the police.

He assured that no injustice would be done to those who surrendered and that they would be given the opportunity to face their cases and return to a better, peaceful life.

He said the operation would continue until the last dacoit either surrendered or was brought to justice.

“The Katcha area, which remained a hub of crime for decades, has now reached a historic turning point. This development will have positive impacts on the security of Rahim Yar Khan as well as neighbouring provinces and districts,” he added.

Published in Dawn, January 21st, 2026