KARACHI — Sindh Home Minister Zia-ul-Hassan Lanjar announced on Wednesday that a large-scale operation is underway to eliminate dacoit gangs in the Katcha (riverine) area, vowing that “no one will be spared.”
Speaking alongside Sindh Inspector General of Police Jawed Akhtar Odho, Lanjar said law enforcement agencies will deploy all necessary resources, including support from Sindh Rangers and Punjab Police, to target notorious criminals.
“We will destroy dacoits and take ruthless action against the most dangerous criminals,” the minister declared. He added that individuals willing to surrender would be given an opportunity to do so, but absconders will face strict consequences.
Background of Dacoit Activity in Katcha
The current crackdown follows months after a major disarmament initiative in October 2025, during which 72 dacoits surrendered at Police Lines in Shikarpur. Many of these individuals were among the most wanted, with combined bounties exceeding Rs60 million.
Source: Geo News
Notable surrenders included Nisar Sabzoi, wanted in 82 cases with a bounty of Rs3 million, and Sukhio Teghani, wanted in 49 cases with a Rs6 million bounty. Other dacoits who surrendered included Ladu Teghani, Sonaro Teghani, Jammo Teghani, Milan alias Wahid Ali alias Wajo Teghani, Gulzar Teghani, Ghulam Hussain alias Namo Teghani, and Noor Din Teghani. Modern weapons such as Kalashnikovs, rocket launchers, and anti-aircraft guns were also handed over.
Recent Sindh Operations and Coordination
Last month, a large-scale joint operation conducted by Sindh Police and Rangers in the Katcha belt yielded significant results. The coordinated action targeted entrenched criminal networks along the Punjab–Sindh border in Rajanpur district, aiming to dismantle gangs exploiting the challenging riverine terrain for criminal activities.
The ongoing operation signals Sindh’s intensified efforts to curb organized crime in the riverine regions, restore law and order, and prevent the Katcha area from remaining a sanctuary for armed dacoits.
