KOHAT, Sept 3: The Kohat Bureau of Investigation has started probe into the incidents of heinous crimes committed by inter-provincial criminal gangs and their supporters, Dawn has learnt.

Sources said that Kohat DIG Zulfiqar Cheema had received an anonymous letter enlisting various gangs and their influential supporters.

The letter claimed that some policemen, parliamentarians and business tycoons were hand in glove with the criminal gangs.

These gangs are involved in kidnappings for ransom; drug trafficking, extortion and even assassinations.

In all, eight gangs have been identified with 68 members against whom the DIG had ordered the KBI to gather proofs.

One ring leader is an outlaw whereas 18 have served various sentences in different cases and are now freely operating in various parts of the country.

The Buland Khel area which shared borders with North Waziristan Agency, Kurram Agency, Orakzai Agency and Hangu district is believed to be infested with criminal gangs.

The criminals belonging to the area were found to be involved in the kidnapping of seven officials of the Pakistan Atomic Energy Commission last year.

The police arrested one kidnapper alive in injured condition during the rescue operation who told interrogators that they were based in Buland Khel.