PTBP Web Desk
Punjab police have successfully eliminated a prominent member of the notorious Andhar gang during a targeted operation in the Katcha area, also known as the riverine region, in what is being hailed as a significant blow to criminal activity in the province.
The operation, which resulted in the death of the armed criminal, was part of a broader effort by law enforcement to curb the growing influence of criminal gangs that have long terrorized the area.
According to a statement from the Punjab police spokesperson, the deceased criminal was an active and dangerous member of the Andhar gang. He was also the primary suspect in a high-profile kidnapping for ransom case, in which he allegedly used honey traps to lure unsuspecting victims into captivity. As police moved in to arrest him, the criminals, including the deceased, opened fire on the officers, leading to an intense exchange of gunfire. The gangster, who was heavily armed, was shot dead in the ensuing confrontation.
A significant cache of weapons, including an AK-47 rifle and hundreds of rounds of ammunition, was recovered from the scene, signaling the severity of the threat posed by the criminal group. Police also reported that the gang member had been involved in numerous robberies, as well as violent attacks on law enforcement officers.
The operation took place in the remote Katcha area, located near Basti Saeed Abassi and close to the Sindh border, a region notorious for its criminal activities. The Katcha area has long been a haven for dacoits (bandits) and criminal gangs, who often use the difficult terrain to evade authorities. These gangs have been responsible for a wide range of illegal activities, including kidnapping for ransom, armed robberies, and violent assaults on law enforcement agencies.
In response to the growing lawlessness in the region, Punjab police have ramped up their efforts to root out criminal elements. The authorities used a combination of advanced equipment and tactical support during the operation, including armored vehicles, elite commandos, night vision goggles, and heavy weapons. These resources were deployed to ensure the success of the operation in a highly challenging environment.
The Andhar gang, led by a network of ruthless criminals, has been at the forefront of violent crimes in the Katcha area. Known for its brutal tactics and ability to evade the law for extended periods, the gang has become one of the most feared criminal organizations in the region. The gang’s operations often extend beyond local robbery and kidnapping, with members also engaging in violent confrontations with the police.
The slain gang member, who was a key figure in the Andhar gang, had been under surveillance for his involvement in several high-profile cases. His death marks a significant step in Punjab police’s ongoing efforts to dismantle the operations of criminal groups that have long terrorized the area.
This latest police success in the Katcha area follows the earlier elimination of Shahid Lund, the notorious ringleader of the Lund gang, another infamous criminal group operating in the region. Lund was involved in numerous violent crimes, including murders and kidnappings for ransom, and had been on the run for several months before his death.
Initially, Punjab police confirmed that Lund had been killed by his own associates following a dispute. The police later revised their statement, asserting that Lund was fatally shot during a joint operation between the Rahim Yar Khan and Rajanpur police. This two-month-long operation was aimed at eradicating criminal elements from the region.
The news of Lund’s death sent shockwaves through the criminal underworld, as he was one of the most wanted criminals in Punjab. The Punjab government had even placed a reward of Rs 10 million on his capture, underscoring the severity of his criminal activities and the importance of bringing him to justice.
The successful operations against both the Andhar and Lund gangs highlight the concerted efforts of Punjab police in combating the rising tide of criminal activity in the Katcha area. These operations are part of a broader strategy to restore law and order in the region, where criminal gangs have flourished due to the challenging terrain and limited police presence.
The operations, which are being closely coordinated between various law enforcement agencies, have gained the approval and praise of the Inspector General of Police, who commended the success of the joint efforts by the Rahim Yar Khan and Rajanpur police. The success of these missions is seen as a major achievement in the fight against organized crime in the region.
The recent police successes are expected to have a positive impact on the safety and security of local communities in the Katcha area. For years, residents have lived in fear of criminal gangs, who have held significant sway over the region. The gangs often exploit the local population, demanding extortion money and engaging in violent acts without fear of reprisal.
With the recent elimination of key gang leaders and members, it is hoped that the police operations will reduce the influence of criminal groups and restore some semblance of order to the area. The government is expected to continue its efforts to strengthen the presence of law enforcement agencies in the region, making it more difficult for criminal gangs to operate with impunity.
