Three gangs still fighting LEAs in Kacha after Chotu's surrender
All 24 policemen taken hostage by the gang were freed safely
RAJANPUR (Dunya News) – Security forces are fighting three criminal gangs including Sikhani and Umrani groups in Kacha area after Ghulam Rasool alias Chotu among 13 dacoits laid down weapons, Dunya News reported Thursday.
All 24 policemen taken hostage by Chotu gang were freed safely.
Sources said that at least three gangs are still fighting the security forces including Umrani and Sikhani gangs. These groups comprise of terrorists and miscreants. Reportedly, Sikhani group ‘has religious affiliations and believe that they would embrace martyrdom if killed.’
Operatives of banned outfits, Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) and Baloch Republican Army (BRA) are also present in Kacha area and battling the law enforcement agencies (LEA). The operatives are said to have executed attack on railways track in 2014 that claimed three lives while injured over 17 and were also behind mines blasts that martyred three including an OGDCL official.
Chotu surrenders among accomplices
LEAs agree that huge cache of weapons is there in Kacha area that was acquired from anti-state elements in Balochistan. The weapons include Russian and Indian-manufactured guns, reportedly.
All 13 criminals who had surrendered were shifted to undisclosed location for interrogation. Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) Director General (DG) Asim Saleem Bajwa stated on Wednesday that a combing operation was underway in Punjab and the forces would eliminate all no-go areas in the country.
Know more: Chotu gang surrendered unconditionally: Lt Gen Asim Bajwa
The government has decided to form a joint investigation team (JIT) to deal with all the cases registered against Chotu and others.
On the other hand, exchange of fire between the security troops and criminal groups continued the entire Wednesday night in the troubled area.
He said that Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Raheel Sharif commended the army officers and soldiers after successful conclusion of the operation.
Chotu, a wanted dacoit who is alleged to have links with anti-state elements including Baloch Liberation Army survived at least seven operations in the past.
The gang made a police operation earlier this month a failure after around 24 personnel were taken hostage while seven killed upon encounter.
The authorities called in army after around 2,100 police personnel failed to nab the dacoits on an island in Indus River in southern Punjab.
Chief Minister (CM) Shahbaz Sharif announced compensation money for each grieving family of the police martyrs. He further announced provision of government job to one member of each family.
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