LAHORE: The Rahim Yar Khan police neutralised another hardened criminal operating in the Katcha area, says a spokesperson for Punjab police.

The police foiled a robbery attempt by Katcha dacoits targeting a local citizen, leading to the death of dacoit, identified as Farooq Chandia, of Paka Chandia, Sindh.

The dacoits attacked the house of Abdul Rashid near Maqbool Mor in the Katcha area with the intent to rob. Upon receiving the alert, a police contingent deployed armoured vehicles. The dacoits fired indiscriminately at the police, prompting a fierce exchange of gunfire.

During this confrontation, Farooq Chandia was killed. His accomplices, however, took advantage of the darkness and fled.

Farooq was wanted by both Sindh and Punjab police for attacks on police officers, murder, robbery and kidnap for ransom.

A Kalashnikov and hundreds of rounds of ammunition were found on him. Later, a comprehensive search operation was conducted in the area.

Published in Dawn, December 4th, 2024