Chotu Gang besieged in Rajanpur operation, police says no way out
Two PAF gunship copters are assisting over 500 troops
KACHA (Dunya News) – Operation against Rajanpur’s homegrown Chotu Gang continues while police have cleared Kacha Karachi, Kacha Moro and Kacha Jamal One areas.
The operation against Chotu Mazari, a notorious dacoit and his accomplices has stepped in the ninth day. Police have said that the gang is now besieged in Jamal Two area and they are hopeful of success as there is no way out.
Another contingent of police have been deployed across Jamal Two’s boundary to limit chances of escape. However, the operation has not seen a major breakthrough in the past eight days as mentionable arrests were made. Contrary to what should have been the case, police have lost a head constable while four personnel are out of combat due to injuries.
A woman and a 12-year-old boy were reported injured during exchange of fire with armed criminals. Ghotki and Rahim Yar Khan police are participating in the operation besides the obvious Rajanpur. Police also have assistance of Rangers and Pakistan Air Force (PAF).
Two PAF gunship copters are supporting over 500 troops by targeting dacoits’ hideouts.
Locals have started relocating to safer places since the operation kicked off. Another reason for relocation is said to be protection of dairy animals.
Police have been after Chotu for a long time. In July, Punjab Chief Minister (CM) Shahbaz Sharif had extended a request to the Pakistan Army to provide helicopters for assistance. Chotu had managed to cross a police cordon around one of the islands adjacent to Indus River.
The gang gad killed a policeman while kept not less than eight hostages including three locals and eight police personnel. Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) MPA Sardar Atif Mazari had said that Chotu was ready to release the hostages after he withdrew Rs 10 million demand. Chotu allegedly dumped weapons in fields and travelled with at least 70 to 80 persons and hostages.
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The forces had claimed in May that at least 70 percent of the robbers-hit Kacha has been cleared. Proclaimed dacoit, Guddu’s hideout was pounded in the operation that saw participation of as many as 400 Rangers personnel.
