KARACHI: Sindh Home Minister Zia-ul-Hassan Lanjar announced on Wednesday that a large-scale operation is being launched against dacoits in the riverine Katcha area, vowing decisive and uncompromising action against criminal elements.
Speaking to the media alongside Sindh Inspector General of Police Jawed Akhtar Odho, Lanjar said the government would deploy all available resources to eliminate dacoit networks.
“We will use whatever resources are needed,” he said, adding that notorious criminals would be specifically targeted. “Dacoits will be destroyed. There will be ruthless action, and no one involved will be spared.”
However, the home minister clarified that those willing to surrender would be given an opportunity to lay down their arms. He warned that absconders and those who resist would face strict action. Lanjar confirmed that Sindh Rangers would take part in the operation alongside Sindh Police, while assistance from Punjab Police would also be sought due to the cross-border nature of criminal activity in the region.
Background of earlier surrenders
The announcement comes months after a significant breakthrough in October 2025, when at least 72 dacoits from the Katcha area surrendered during a ceremony held at Police Lines in Shikarpur. Several of the surrendered individuals were among the most wanted criminals, carrying bounties worth millions of rupees.
Authorities said the combined bounty on the surrendered dacoits exceeded Rs60 million. The event also featured a display of modern weapons handed over by the criminals, including Kalashnikovs, rocket launchers and anti-aircraft guns.
Notable among those who surrendered was Nisar Sabzoi, wanted in 82 cases with a bounty of Rs3 million, and Sukhio Teghani, facing 49 cases with a Rs6 million bounty. Other surrendered dacoits 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.
Recent joint actions
Last month, a large-scale joint operation by Sindh Police and Rangers in the Katcha belt also produced significant results. Law enforcement agencies targeted entrenched criminal networks operating along the Punjab–Sindh border in Rajanpur, aiming to dismantle gangs that have long exploited the difficult riverine terrain as safe havens.
