OKARA, July 9: A gang of about 25 robbers went on a looting spree at 52/2-L village, taking away cash and valuables worth two million rupees from at least six houses after taking hostage the watchmen. Reports said the armed dacoits arrived at the village, located in the periphery of the city, and took hostage two watchmen Khalid and Hamid and asked them to disclose the names of well-off families.

After getting the information, the dacoits first entered the houses of Rao Khushi Muhammad and Rao Muhammad Shafi and after locking the inmates in a room collected cash valuables from there. They also took hostage a woman from the house as a guarantee for their safe exit.

Then the robbers entered the houses of Muhammad Sakhi, Muhammad Rafi, Iftikhar Ahmad and Muhammad Ishfaq Jat, turn by turn, from where they collected cash and gold ornaments worth about two million rupees. However, before leaving the village by their vehicles, they released the woman they had earlier taken hostage.

Police are investigating.