Punjab police rescue abducted cop from Katcha dacoits in RYK

RAHIM YAR KHAN/LAHORE: The Punjab Police successfully rescued Constable Ahmed Nawaz from the notorious katcha dacoits in Machka, a riverine area of District Rahim Yar Khan, police spokesperson reported on Sunday.

The rescue follows a deadly attack last Thursday when katcha bandits ambushed police in Machka, destroying two police vehicles with rockets, resulting in the martyrdom of 12 officers and injuries to six others. During the incident, Constable Nawaz was abducted by heavily armed robbers.

Rizwan Omar Gondal, District Police Officer (DPO), Rahim Yar Khan, reassured that police efforts in the region remain unwavering. “The police department is working with full strength in the riverine areas,” he said.

Following Nawaz’s release, Punjab Police Inspector General (IG) Dr Usman Anwar met with his family to confirm his safe return, stating that Nawaz’s recovery had been a top priority. He reiterated the force’s commitment to confronting criminals with full force. Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz lauded the operation’s success, commending DPO Gondal and his team for their efforts. She expressed her relief at Nawaz’s recovery and extended her best wishes to his family.

Katcha bandits in riverine areas remain a longstanding challenge for law enforcement in both Sindh and Punjab, despite repeated operations aimed at dismantling these criminal networks.