GHOTKI: Police have recovered all passengers abducted from a passenger bus near Ubauro in Sindh’s Ghotki district, including one who was found deceased, officials said on Tuesday after a major operation against armed bandits.
The incident occurred on the Guddu-Kashmore Road near the Murid Shakh area, where more than 20 armed bandits intercepted the bus. According to Sindh Police, the attackers opened fire, shattered the bus windows and forcibly abducted passengers before fleeing into nearby areas.
Initial reports suggested that up to 19 passengers had been taken. However, police later confirmed that 14 passengers were abducted. Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Obaro Abdul Qadir Soomro said the confusion arose because the bus conductor could not immediately provide an exact count amid the chaos.
Police Launch Operation, Engage Bandits
Following the abduction, police cordoned off the area and established checkpoints on key routes. Law enforcement agencies launched a search operation, focusing on nearby riverine and rural areas known for bandit activity.
Police encountered the abductors in the Somiani area, where an exchange of fire took place. During the clash, one police officer sustained injuries. The bandits also fired rockets at a police armoured vehicle in an attempt to break the cordon, DSP Soomro said.
Authorities deployed drones to track the movement of the suspects. The aerial surveillance forced the bandits to abandon their positions and flee, enabling police to recover the abducted passengers.
Hostages Recovered, One Passenger Dead
As a result of the operation, police rescued 13 passengers alive. One abducted passenger was found deceased during the search. Several of the recovered passengers suffered injuries and were shifted to medical facilities, where they received treatment.
Deputy Inspector General (DIG) Sukkur Faisal Abdullah Chachar said police are continuing operations in the katcha areas along the riverine belt. He noted that dense fog and tall sugarcane crops are hampering visibility and slowing progress.
Search Continues in Katcha Areas
DIG Chachar added that several bandits were reportedly injured during the exchange of fire. Police teams remain in pursuit and are conducting raids to arrest those involved in the attack.
Authorities said the operation will continue until all suspects are apprehended and the area is fully secured to prevent further such incidents.
