VEHARI, June 29: Saddar police reportedly gave a free hand to five masked bandits to plunder several car riders, motorcyclists and passengers of a wagon at a picket they (criminals) set up on Vehari-Mian Channu Road at 12 Morr stop on Sunday.

Reports said armed bandits intercepted a wagon (9429-LHO) and deprived 22 passengers, including woman, of cash, ornaments, about a dozen cell phones and other valuables. Bandits also misbehaved with women and thrashed some men when they tried to resist.

Driver Abbas said that dacoits, riding on a car, continued looting car riders and motorcyclists for some three hours.

Area people informed the Saddar police about the picket of dacoits, but they said the area fell under the jurisdiction of Mian Channu police.

After some time, however, the Saddar police reached the spot when the dacoits had already finished their part of job.

Some eyewitnesses said that dacoits also beat up some villagers when they tried to catch them.