Sindh Launches Major Crackdown on Katcha Criminals

Sindh Home Minister Zia-ul-Hassan Lanjar has announced the launch of a large-scale operation against dacoits operating in the riverine Katcha area, vowing decisive and uncompromising action to eliminate criminal elements.

Speaking to the media alongside Sindh Inspector General of Police Jawed Akhtar Odho, Lanjar said, “We will use whatever resources [needed against dacoits],” stressing that the government is fully committed to restoring law and order in the region. He further declared, “Dacoits will be destroyed,” adding that notorious criminals would be specifically targeted in what he described as “ruthless action”, with no leniency for hardened offenders.

At the same time, the home minister clarified that those willing to abandon crime would be given an opportunity to surrender. Warning absconders of strict consequences, he said, “The absconders will face strict action.” Lanjar confirmed that the operation will be carried out jointly by Sindh Police and Sindh Rangers, with support from Punjab Police if required.

The announcement comes months after a significant development 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 individuals were among the most-wanted criminals, carrying bounties worth millions of rupees. The combined bounty of the surrendered dacoits exceeded Rs60 million.

During the ceremony, law enforcement agencies also displayed a cache of surrendered weapons, including Kalashnikovs, rocket launchers, and anti-aircraft guns. Among those who laid down arms were notorious figures such as Nisar Sabzoi, wanted in 82 cases with a Rs3 million bounty, and Sukhio Teghani, facing 49 cases with a Rs6 million bounty, along with several other members of the Teghani gang.

Meanwhile, last month’s large-scale joint operation by Sindh Police and Rangers in the riverine Kacha belt also delivered notable results, targeting deeply entrenched criminal networks along the Punjab–Sindh border in Rajanpur. The coordinated crackdown aimed to dismantle dacoit gangs that have long exploited the challenging riverine terrain as safe havens for criminal activities.