• A group of robbers looted Manisha Jewelers in Sunnyvale, less than two weeks after robbery at Kumar Jewelers in Fremont.
• Since May 2024, eight Indian jewelry stores in the Bay Area have been targeted in smash-and-grab style robberies

By Tanay Gokhale

On Sunday, June 29, a group of robbers armed with hammers looted Manisha Jewelers in Sunnyvale. This is the second robbery at an Indian jewelry store in the Bay Area this month after a similar robbery took place at Kumar Jewelers in Fremont on June 18.

According to a press release issued by the Sunnyvale Police Department, officers responded to a robbery in progress at the store location on El Camino Real. A group of suspects rammed a stolen car into the front of the building to gain entry into the store. They smashed display cases with hammers, stole the jewelry and escaped in multiple stolen cars. Police officers gave chase to the suspects’ cars but to no avail. One person inside the store sustained minor injuries and was taken to a local hospital. The case remains an open investigation.

On June 20, a similar attempt was made to rob yet another Indian jewelry store BJ Jewelers in Dublin. However, in that instance, the robbers left empty-handed because the owner of the store had emptied the display cases after hearing about the robbery at Kumar Jewelers two days prior.

Since May 2024, eight Indian jewelry stores in the Bay Area have been targeted in smash-and-grab style robberies. They are Nitin Jewelers in Sunnyvale; Bhindi Jewelers in Newark; Bombay Jewelry Company in Berkeley; PNG Jewelers in Sunnyvale; Kumar Jewelers in Fremont; BJ Jewelers in Dublin; and now, Manisha Jewelers in Sunnyvale. Of these, police have taken suspects into custody in two cases, PNG and Kumar Jewelers.

Read: Observations of an Expat: And So It Begins

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Courtesy: India Currents

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• To manage the financial implications, 2154 existing posts will be surrendered to accommodate the newly created ASI Investigation positions

Karachi, Sindh

In a significant move to enhance the investigative capacity of Sindh Police, the Sindh government has decided to appoint 2000 Assistant Sub-inspectors (ASIs) Investigation. This initiative aims to strengthen the police force’s ability to effectively handle criminal cases and improve conviction rates.

The decision was taken in a meeting of the Service Structure Committee, chaired by Chief Secretary Sindh Asif Hyder Shah on Tuesday March 25. The meeting was attended by Additional Chief Secretary Home Muhammad Iqbal Memon, Inspector General Police Ghulam Nabi Memon, Secretary Finance Fayaz Ahmed Jatoi, Secretary Services Ghulam Ali Brahmani, Secretary Law Ali Ahmed Baloach, and other relevant officers from the police department.

The Home Department, following consultation with the Police and Finance Department, had submitted a detailed proposal seeking approval for these posts. To manage the financial implications, 2154 existing posts will be surrendered to accommodate the newly created ASI Investigation positions.

On this occasion, Chief Secretary Sindh Asif Hyder Shah stated that strengthening the investigation branch had been a longstanding challenge for the Sindh Police. He emphasized that investigation is a crucial component of policing and must be adequately equipped to ensure justice is served. He added that the creation of these posts is a significant step by the Sindh government to address this gap and improve investigative efficiency.

Inspector General of Sindh Police, Ghulam Nabi Memon, while briefing the meeting, explained that the police force had historically focused heavily on recruiting constables, who now make up approximately 92% of the total force. This imbalance had hindered the growth of the investigation branch. He stated that the induction of ASI Investigation officers will play a vital role in improving investigation standards, ensuring thorough evidence collection, and enhancing conviction rates. He further noted that effective investigation is the backbone of the criminal justice system, and these newly created posts will empower the police to gather facts, analyze evidence, and build stronger cases to ensure offenders are brought to justice.

In addition to creating new posts, the Home Department has also sought approval for the re-appropriation of 1038 posts, including 2 SPs, 17 DSPs, 114 Inspectors, 308 Sub Inspectors, and 587 Constables from Non-Investigation to Investigation Units within Karachi Range. This reallocation is aimed at better utilizing resources without imposing any additional financial burden.

The Sindh government’s decision to strengthen the investigation branch reflects its commitment to improving law enforcement, eradicating crime, and ensuring justice across the province. By investing in investigative resources, the Sindh government is taking a major step towards improving the criminal justice system and ensuring the safety and security of its citizens. (PR)

Read: Sindh to create Riverine Police Force

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Karachi, Sindh

Sindh police have claimed having killed 76 bandits during the operation in Katcha (Riverine) areas of the province from January 1, 2024 till date.

“Significant successes has been achieved in the Katcha (Riverine) area since 1st January 2024, as during the operations, 76 dacoits were killed, 115 injured, and 363 arrested. As a result of these actions, several areas have been cleared of criminal elements, leading to remarkable progress in restoring peace and security,” Inspector General of Police Sindh Ghulam Nabi Memon claimed during a briefing at the meeting, chaired by Chief Secretary Sindh Asif Hyder Shah on December 12.

Chief Secretary Sindh, Asif Hyder Shah had convened a high level meeting to review the law and order situation in the Katcha area of the province.

The meeting was also attended by Commissioner Sukkur, DIG Sukkur, Commissioner Larkana, and DIG Larkana. The participants discussed the ongoing police operations in the region and their outcomes in detail.

Read: Sindh Chief Minister admits rise in street crimes, kidnappings for ransom

Chief Secretary directed the police and other law enforcement agencies to adopt a coordinated strategy to sustain these achievements. He emphasized the importance of implementing effective measures to ensure lasting peace in the region, creating a safe and secure environment for the residents.

Future challenges and their solutions were also discussed during the meeting, with the Chief Secretary directing law enforcement agencies to proceed with a comprehensive plan. The meeting concluded with a resolve to utilize all available resources to establish and maintain peace in the Katcha area. (PR)

Read: IGP admits Kidnappings and Street Crimes are Significant Issues of Sindh

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Read: Sindh under the Daku Raj!!!

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• The vehicle used for the suicide attack was prepared at an undisclosed location in Hub; a woman named Gul Nisa was used to bring the car to Karachi
• Rehman Gul is identified as a facilitator for the BLA, while Bashir Zaib, another terrorist, is reportedly managing operations from abroad

Karachi, Sindh

Sindh Home Minister Zia Ul Hassan Lanjar, announced a reward of Rs. 50 million and commendation certificates for the Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD) and its team for their significant achievements in apprehending terrorists involved in a high-profile case.

Additionally, recommendations for Quaid-e-Azam Police Medal and President’s Police Medal awards are being made for the CTD officers and their team.

At a press conference held at the Central Police Office in Karachi, the minister praised the CTD’s role in the arrest of terrorists involved in the airport attack. Also present were IGP Sindh Ghulam Nabi Memon, Additional IG CTD Imran Yaqub Minhas, DIG CTD, and other senior officers.

The minister elaborated that the investigation identified a suicide attacker, Shah Fahad, with evidence such as the attacker’s hand, vehicle, and other remnants. The attackers’ accomplices included a rickshaw driver, Farhan, and Muhammad Sharif. Additionally, the vehicle used in the attack was registered under the suicide bomber’s name and purchased from a showroom. An amount of Rs.7.1 million was transferred from a bank in Hub for the vehicle purchase, with the funds originating from an account belonging to a man named Saeed Ali, and the attack was further facilitated by a bank employee named Bilal.

According to the investigation, the vehicle used for the suicide attack was prepared at an undisclosed location in Hub. The car was loaded with a chemical known as “paint” combined with RDX for the explosion. A woman named Gul Nisa was used to bring the car to Karachi, and surveillance at the airport was carried out by a person named Javed, who also informed the suicide attacker about the Chinese nationals’ exit from the airport. The report further revealed that a terrorist named Danish is a technical expert in bomb-making and was nearby during the explosion. Additionally, Rehman Gul is identified as a facilitator for the BLA, while Bashir Zaib, another terrorist, is reportedly managing operations from abroad. (PR)

Read: 52-Years back Polish Deputy Foreign Minister was killed at Karachi Airport

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Wardah Javed, the sister of Ms. Samreen Javed, a faculty member at Sindh Madressatul Islam University, was kidnapped on Sept. 30, 2024, in the jurisdiction of Maripur police station

Karachi, Sindh

Ms. Wardah Javed, the sister of Ms. Samreen Javed, a faculty member at Sindh Madressatul Islam University (SMIU), was kidnapped on Sept. 30, 2024, in broad daylight in the jurisdiction of Maripur police station, Keamari district of Karachi, however the police have remained inactive so far and no efforts were taken to recover the woman.

“It is highly anguishing that in broad daylight, a woman has been kidnapped in Karachi, and despite the passage of several days, she has yet to be recovered,” Asif Hussain Samo, President, and Quratulain Nazeer Ahmed, Vice President, Sindh Madressatul Islam University Teachers’ Association (SMUTA) said in a statement on Monday October 7, 2024.

“The family is enduring extreme distress, and despite lodging multiple complaints and the FIR, they continue to await justice from the police department,” Quratulain Nazeer Ahmed, Vice President, SMUTA said.

Sindh Madressatul Islam University Teachers’ Association vehemently condemned the abduction of Ms. Wardah Javed, the sister of Ms. Samreen Javed and police inaction.

“The family immediately approached the police and registered First Information Report (FIR). However, despite the urgency of the situation and the passage of more than a week, there has been no significant progress by the authorities,” statement said.

Read: IGP admits Kidnappings and Street Crimes are Significant Issues of Sindh

SMUTA asserted that the security situation for women in Karachi has reached alarming levels if they can be kidnapped without consequence, even after families have lodged complaints. “This incident highlights a grave concern for the safety and security of all women in the city.”

President and Vice President of SMUTA, expressed firm stance on the issue, stating that the family is waiting for justice and the immediate recovery of Ms. Wardah, as well as action against the perpetrators.

SMUTA called upon the Inspector General of Police and other government authorities to urgently address this matter, prioritize the recovery of Ms. Wardah, and bring those responsible to justice.

Read: Sindh Chief Minister admits rise in street crimes, kidnappings for ransom

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Staff Report  

Karachi, Sindh

Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah has admitted his failure in maintaining law and order in the province during his previous tenure.

He admitted that the law & order situation was not perfect. “It was not as bad as it was witnessed in January and February,” he said.

While talking to media at Sindh Assembly where he reached to cast his vote for Senate Election on Tuesday, Murad Shah acknowledged that the law & order situation during their last tenure was not satisfactory. He however stated that it further deteriorated during the caretaker government.

Read: IGP admits Kidnappings and Street Crimes are Significant Issues of Sindh

“However, my government is committed to improving the situation and is taking steps to achieve this goal. My government is implementing strict measures to improve law and order in the province. These measures include addressing street crime in Karachi and kidnapping for ransom in the Riverine area,” Shah said.

Read: Sindh Chief Minister admits rise in street crimes, kidnappings for ransom

Shah claimed that during his last term, he implemented effective measures to control law and order in the province. “The street crime in the city was brought under control and police pickets were established along the Indus River embankment to restrict the bandits inside the Kutcha area.”

Shah further stated that his government was taking strict measures to crush street criminals and dacoits and he promised that the situation would improve shortly.

Read: Sindh under the Daku Raj!!!

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Staff Report

Karachi, Sindh

The first meeting of new Sindh Cabinet was told on Wednesday March 13, 2024 that 84 Persons Kidnapped for Ransom in Sindh in last 72 days.

Minister Home Zia Lanjar and IG Police Riffat Mukhtar briefing the cabinet said that from January 1 to March 12, 2024, some 274 murders, 84 cases of kidnapping for ransom and 30 cases of extortion were reported in the entire province.

Read: Sindh under the Daku Raj!!!

The police registered 2921 cases of crime against persons, 6486 against property, 4517 local and special law, 163 accidents, and 4643 miscellaneous.

The cabinet was told that compared to last year street crime cases in Karachi decreased by 4.18 per cent. At this, the CM said that the crime rates vary month to month and night has come down, but the impact of its reduction has not been felt by the people of this city. He directed the Home Minister to make the SHOs and SSPs of the area accountable.

It may be noted that 7822 cases of street crime in Karachi were recorded in January 2024, 5876 in February and 2234 in March (till 12 March).

The cabinet was told that out of 78 cases of kidnapping, 49 have been recovered and 29 were still outstanding. Out of 29 kidnapping cases, six belong to Ghotki, nine to Shikarpur, and 14 to Kashmore.

It was pointed out that the kidnapping cases have increased due to tribal feuds. At this, the CM directed the Home Minister to involve a few ministers, district administration and the police to resolve tribal feuds at the earliest. He added that the kidnapping of innocent people for ransom was unacceptable and strict action must be taken against the dacoits.

Read: IGP admits Kidnappings and Street Crimes are Significant Issues of Sindh

The meeting, chaired by Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah, was held at CM House and was attended by provincial ministers – Sharjeel Memon, Dr. Azra Fazal Pechuho, Nasir Shah, Sardar Shah, Saeed Ghani, Jam Khan Shoro, Zia Lanjar, Mohammad Bux Mahar, Haji Ali Hassan Zardari, Zulfiqar Shah, Advisors- Babal Khan Bahyo, Ehsan Mazari, Najmi Alam, Advisors, new Chief Secretary Asif Hyder Shah, Advocate General, Prosecutor General, and others.

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Staff Report

Karachi, Sindh

Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali in a press conference on Friday March 8, expressed dissatisfaction over the state of law & order in the province. “I am not satisfied with the law-and-order situation in the city and even in the rural areas, particularly the Riverine belt,” he said and added that he has decided to make a major reshuffle in the police department.

“The street crime in Karachi is on the rise and the kidnapping for ransom incidents have not been brought under control,” he said and added therefore he has decided to reshuffle the police department so that the situation could be improved.

Read: IGP admits Kidnappings and Street Crimes are Significant Issues of Sindh

To a question, the CM said that he has approved Rs.5.3 billion to start the Safe City project under which Intelligence Video Surveillance (IVS) and Vehicle Management System (VMS) Cameras would installed for technology-led policing in the city of Karachi in the in the first phase and then in other cities of the province.

To a question, Murad Ali Shah said that the policy decisions taken by the caretaker government would be reviewed by his elected government. He added that the law was very clear that the main job of the caretaker government was to run day-to-day affairs. “But, we feel that some policy decisions were also taken, therefore the elected government would review all such decisions taken by the caretaker government.

To another question, the Chief Minister said that his government would approach Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif for the constitution of National Finance Commission (NFC). He said that he worked with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif for six months and found him to be a hardworking, caring and accommodating person. “When the people of Sindh were faced with devastating floods, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif made several visits to the flood-affected areas and supported the affected people,” he said and comparing Shehbaz Sharif with Imran Khan said he never bothered to meet with the affected people.

Read: Sindh under the Daku Raj!!!

Murad Shah said that in the absence of the provincial assembly, the constitution of the Provincial Financial Commission (PFC) was not possible and now both the assembly and the local government were in place, therefore he would constitute PFC within a month and then announce the award within next six months.

To a question, the CM said that most of the MQM demands have already been accommodated in the Local government system of the province. “If MQM makes such a demand which is in the interest of the people of the province we would support them,” he said.

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By Nasir Aijaz 

“It is difficult to define an outlaw in a country where there is no law” – American author Zane Grey (1872 – 1939) writes in his book “Robbers’ Roost”

The scenario of Pakistan in general, and Sindh in particular, matches to what Zane Grey has portrayed in above single sentence. Let’s discuss what is happening here in our own country, where there exists no law, no order.

Pakistan film industry produced in the past a large number of movies based on the stories of outlaws, locally called as Daku, Dakait in Punjabi and Urdu, or Dacoits, as adopted in English, and Dhaarrail in Sindhi language. In certain movies the outlaws were glorified presenting them as pro-poor who robbed the rich and helped the peasants, oppressed by the feudal lords. One of such Punjabi language movies was Daku Raj, released for screening in 1992.

I don’t know the exact story of that movie but its title suggests that it was about a notorious bandit who ruled certain areas and had created panic. Those movies of the past are no more screened in the Pakistani cinemas but the term ‘Daku Raj’ reverberates even today through dozens of videos uploaded on YouTube by you-tubers depicting the current terrifying situation that prevails in Sindh province.

Reign of Terror prevails   

Like the Robin Hood, a legendary figure in English folklore, known for being a skilled archer and swordsman who robbed from the rich and gave to the poor (Although, the historians are still unclear if he was a real person or a fictional character), there were times when Sindh too had certain outlaws notorious for their terrifying acts, but depicted in literature, media and films, as a symbol of justice and standing up for the oppressed. Such outlaws had certain values – they never robbed the women or kidnapped the children for ransom. Alas, such values vanished with change of times – now the highwaymen do not spare anyone. Men, women and children are robbed and kidnapped, showing no mercy, and are kept chained in miserable conditions at the hideouts in thick river forests of Sindh.

No Exaggeration         

It wouldn’t be exaggeration to say that four districts of upper Sindh, and adjoining southern parts of Punjab, are virtually under the Daku Raj. This contention is based on the reports appearing in print, electronic and social media, and also the official statements, which suggest that the outlaws rule the four districts of Sukkur and Larkana divisions, who used to kidnap the men, women and even the children for ransom, keep them in inhuman conditions in the thick forests along the River Indus and release the videos of hostages on social media after torturing them just to force their relatives for payment of ransom.

Read: THE BADLANDERS OF SINDH

A number of cases of kidnapping for ransom also take place even in Karachi, the capital of the province, while the street crimes like the robberies, and snatching of cell-phones, cars and bikes are the order of the day across the province – but very surprisingly, the police and the rangers, a paramilitary force, are seen helpless or are deliberately inactive, as there seems no slight improvement, and grave law & order situation prevails.

Official statements suffice the fact

It is only in the official meetings that the high-ups of law enforcing agencies make tall claims of success in combating the criminals presenting fake data of their performance. However, the remarks of Interim Chief Minister of Sindh Mr. Maqbool Baqar do suffice very much to my contention, which he made while presiding over meetings on law & order situation. I will refer here to Chief Minister’s remarks and briefings of police officials.

On December 30, 2023, Chief Minister directed the Inspector General of Police Riffat Mukhtar and Additional IG Karachi Khadim Rind, to take measures to control kidnappings for ransom in the katcha (Riverine Forest) area and street crimes in Karachi.

“The citizens are losing confidence as they don’t feel safe on the roads and in open areas. I have repeatedly directed the police to ensure police patrolling but those instructions have not been complied in letter and spirit,” CM said.

Read: Sindh police to launch operation against dacoits in Katcha areas

“The kidnappings for ransom have again started taking place in katcha area of the Larkana and Sukkur divisions,” he added.

Let me quote another official press release issued from Chief Minister’s House, about a meeting with Home Minister, Home Secretary, IG Police and other high officials held a few days before the year-end meeting.

“Caretaker Chief Minister observed that the crime rate, particularly the street crime in Karachi and Hyderabad, has increased while the Sukkur and Larkana police ranges have shown no tangible progress in curbing bandits in the riverine areas.”

IG Police Riffat Mukhtar in his briefing said that during the year 2023, some 1660 people were killed, 229 kidnapped and 155 extortion cases were reported. Out of 229 kidnapping for ransom cases, 44 belonged to Karachi, three to Hyderabad, one Shaheed Benazirabad, 45 Sukkur, and 136 Larkana. He claimed that all the abducted persons have been recovered, except two of Sukkur, and one of Larkana. He claimed that kidnapping for ransom and road robberies have decreased by 90 percent because of focused strategy and targeted operation.

Read also: Sindh police seek billions for operation against dacoits in Katcha areas

Additional IG said that in September 2023, some 7949 cases of street crimes were registered, and claimed that in October such cases declined to 7613, and in November the number has further decreased to 5168. The mobile snatching cases in October were 2362 and in November the number came down to 1700. The police conducted 91 encounter cases in November in which 120 robbers were killed/injured.

The crime data presented by the police officials was nothing but the ‘jugglery of figures’, which they do as usual. The fact is that the crime rate is higher than reported by the officials. It’s an open truth that most of the victims of the robbery and snatching do not bother to report to the police because they know that instead of taking action against the criminals, the police would harass them.

The story doesn’t end here. Let me quote another official press release of October 24, 2023 wherein it was stated that the Caretaker Chief Minister, in a meeting held in Ghotki, the most troubled district, approved launching of a ‘Decisive Operation’ in the riverine forests to eliminate the gangs of outlaws. The Chief Minister was informed by the Home Minister and the IG Police that there were 14 gangs of bandits hiding in the forests. “A well-coordinated strategy has been finalized for launching the operation while 1680 police check-posts are being established in the forest areas,” he was told adding that three bandits were killed and 26 arrested in 49 encounters in Larkana police range alone.

Read more: Massive Anti-Dacoit Operation Launched in Riverine Forests across Sindh

Earlier on September 14, 2023, the provincial caretaker cabinet in its first formal meeting decided to launch a comprehensive joint operation with the Army and rangers to clear hideouts of dacoits, start a crackdown on organized weapon smuggling gangs, and strengthen intelligence gathering, and deny cyber and digital space to criminals for disconnecting their communication in the riverine area.

Sharing the data of 20123, the CM was told that 218 people were kidnapped, of them, 207 have been recovered and 11 were still in the clutches of the bandits. When the new IG police took over, there were 57 kidnappings, out of them police got 46 recovered and efforts were underway to recover the remaining 11 persons. He did not disclose how the hostages were freed or how many bandits arrested or killed while getting the hostages freed.

The cabinet was told that the dacoits in the Katcha area of four districts, Kashmore, Shikarpur, Ghotki, and Sukkur were holed up in inaccessible hideouts fortified by trenches and ditches.

The dacoits have long-range military-grade weapons effective against APCs. The Katcha area has 238 villages with a population of 400,000. The Sindh police have set up eight police stations and 20 check posts.

The IG police told the cabinet that they have a plan to establish 390 police posts in the four districts along the protective bund. The police would be equipped with the latest weapons and gadgets.

Read more: Anti-Dacoit Operation: One bandit killed, seven injured

Earlier, in one of its last cabinet meetings of PPP government, held on August 9, 2023, and chaired by then Chief Minister Murad Shah, it was informed that the government has deployed 4500 policemen in Indus riverine areas of four upper Sindh districts -Shikarpur, Kashmore, Sukkur and Ghotki districts, to combat the outlaws hiding there.

Home Secretary told the cabinet that controlling crime and nabbing criminals, operating in Katcha areas has remained a challenge. “To cope with the situation, one component of the strategy was to place police personnel in the area on a permanent basis,” he said.

Crime Data of 2023

In September 14 meeting, the cabinet was told that 12886 cases of street crime have been registered during 2023. The registered cases include 3178 mobile snatchings, 93 four-wheeler snatching, 758 four-wheeler theft, 2143 two-wheeler snatching, and 3457 two-wheeler theft. It was further informed that work Ghotki-Kandhkot Bridge over River Indus was suspended due to the kidnapping of two employees of the project work in June 2023.

Sindh police department has not yet updated the crime data for the year 2023 on its website, however it contains the statistics of previous years, and month-wise figures from January to October end. According to the website, a total of 76103 crimes including murder, theft, robberies, car/bike snatching and kidnapping etc. were registered during the year 2021. These crimes include 2467 cases of kidnapping/abduction, 46 cases of kidnapping for ransom and 279 cases of child-lifting. In the year 2022, a total of 65407 crimes of different nature were registered that included 2417 cases of kidnapping/abduction, 41 cases of kidnapping for ransom and 274 cases of child-lifting.

The crime data for the year 2023 from January 1 to October 31, neither shows the total number of crimes nor the cases of kidnapping for ransom, abduction and child-lifting, however it says that 136 cases of car snatching were reported during this period while only 16 cases of highway robberies and 113 cases of murder during robberies were registered. The absence of other data is deliberate attempt to keep the facts out of sight.

Anti-dacoit Operation

In fact, the anti-dacoit operation in the riverine forests was an ongoing process over the years, as claimed by the police, with no tangible results. Sometimes, the police released reports along with photos of the force positioned in riverine areas. The police had always been complaining of limited resources and outdated weapons, which resulted in loss of lives of many personnel during the encounters with bandits equipped with sophisticated weapons. It was in the last few cabinet meetings of PPP government held in July and the first half of August 2023 when approval was given to launch massive anti-dacoit operation deploying 4500 policemen in the riverine areas of three districts. However, practical steps could not be taken as the provincial assembly and the cabinet were dissolved and a caretaker setup was installed. The interim cabinet too took up the issue afresh and final approval was given for launch of operation after at least three consequent meetings, but no such activity is seen so far, which is evident from a sentence of a police officer, who according to official handout of a recent meeting, told the Chief Minister that “We have not eliminated the bandits yet. We are waiting for receding water level in the River Indus.”

The bandits have not only most sophisticated weapons but a very strong internet gadgets which cannot be disabled by the law enforcing agencies

So, the facts testify that the law enforcing agencies have not yet launched any anti-dacoit operation in the riverine forests despite approval and clear orders of previous and present governments even after lapse of over six months.

The Chief Minister’s media team never mentioned the progress of so-called ‘anti-dacoit operation’ in the riverine area’, as was decided, to eliminate the criminals who have kidnapped dozens of men and children and made them hostage for ransom and are releasing the videos of hostages on social media.

Surprisingly, except a couple of recovery cases of hostages, no remarkable success has been achieved by a strong force of 4500 men equipped with armored vehicles and sophisticated weapons ‘provided to police force’, as claimed by Sindh government.

It’s also surprising that the gangs of outlaws are enjoying all the facilities and continue receiving supplies of food and weapons, which shows that the police force have neither blocked their  supply lines nor the communication system.

Kidnappings for ransom continue

During the period under report, the outlaws however continued kidnapping the innocent citizens. According to media reports, about three dozen people, including the men and children are still hostage to these dacoits. Certain reports suggest that a large number of people hailing from Hindu community were also made captive by the bandits. A recent report circulating on social media also revealed that three young brothers, Amjad Ali, student of 12^th grade, Sajad Ali, student of tenth grade and Ashfaque Ahmed, a primary student, sons of Bagan Bhayo, a teacher, were kidnapped near Badani town, when they were returning home after closing their shop. And on Sunday January 7, 2024, the social media reported that taking the benefit of smog, the highwaymen ambushed the slow-moving vehicles near Kashmore, opened indiscriminate fires killing six people, and kidnapped another four persons.

Who are the bandits and their facilitators?

Back in 2005, during an informal chat at the office of then Home Minister of Sindh Rauf Siddiqui, the then Director General of Sindh Rangers, had said, “The feudal lords used to harbor the outlaws and all those feudal lords are part of the government and sitting in the provincial and national assembly.”

“We can eliminate all the gangs of bandits once we are allowed to take action,” he had remarked.

Same views were expressed recently by a senior police officer, who had spent several years in upper Sindh districts, and was well aware of the situation. On the condition of anonymity, he said, “The bandits of the Katcha (Riverine areas) use to operate under the patronage of feudal lords, the bandits of Pacca (Urban areas).”

Read also: More Than 30 Hindus Held Hostage by Bandits In Sindh

According to him, the outlaws operating from the thick forests of River Indus mainly belong to three tribes, and they enjoy full support of tribal chiefs. The bandits have hideouts in the forests with strong network of intelligence among the villagers dwelling in scores of villages located in Katcha area.

“The gangs of bandits are 14 but they cannot be eliminated even by a strong force of 5000, because the bandits live like the villagers and cannot be identified. Opening fires on villagers would kill women and children also, and that’s a big hindrance. Moreover, the police personnel deployed there belong to other areas of Sindh and have never been to forests, where the bandits have dug trenches and ditches to trap even the armored vehicles,” he said.

“The bandits have not only most sophisticated weapons but a very strong internet gadgets which cannot be disabled by the law enforcing agencies,” the police officer told.

To my query, he said, “Weapons are supplied to the outlaws by the Afghan and Pashtun timber traders who are involved in illegal activity of chopping down the forest trees and supply of weapons.”

“They are so influential that action has never been taken against them,” he concluded.

Sindh continues grappling with banditry  

Sindh continues grappling with increase in dacoit activities and kidnappings for ransom. These criminal activities have caused fear and insecurity among the local population. The organized banditry, has a long history in Sindh, dating back to the British colonial era. Poverty, lack of development, and weak governance have contributed to the rise of gangs of bandits that operate with impunity. Over time, these gangs have become more sophisticated, employing modern weaponry and tactics.

Weapons are supplied to the outlaws by the Afghan and Pashtun timber traders who are involved in illegal activity of chopping down the forest trees and supply of weapons.

Kidnappings for ransom have become a lucrative business for criminal syndicates in Sindh. Wealthy individuals, businessmen, and their families are often targeted due to their perceived ability to pay large sums of money. Victims are held captive until their families pay the demanded ransom, often resulting in prolonged periods of fear and trauma.

The rise in dacoit activities and kidnappings has had a detrimental impact on the local economy, discouraging investment and hindering development efforts. The prevalence of dacoit gangs has strained social cohesion, as communities become divided and distrustful of one another.

Long-term Solutions

Addressing the root causes of banditry requires comprehensive poverty alleviation programs that provide employment opportunities, education, and basic services in rural areas. Investing in the training, equipment, and capacity-building of law enforcement agencies is crucial to effectively combat criminal activities. Improving governance, transparency, and accountability at all levels of government will help create an environment where criminal activities find no space to thrive.

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Nasir Aijaz is a senior journalist based in Karachi. He is author of a dozen books on history, language, literature, travelogue, and some 500 articles on different subjects. He can be accessed at nasir.akhund1954@gmail.com   

The post Sindh under the Daku Raj!!! first appeared on Sindh Courier.

From Correspondent

Sanghar, Sindh

A man stabbed his wife and two minor daughters to death at a village near Jhoal town of district Sanghar on Saturday.

The shocking incident of crime took place in Abdullah Leghari village in the Limits of Mangali police station near Jhoal town in which a man killed his wife Rukhsana leghari and two children 3-year Sawan and 16-months Shazia and his with a sharp knife.

The accused Shad Leghari first killed his 35-year-old wife Rukhsana Leghari with a sharp knife, after which he stabbed to death his children.

The residents of the area informed the Mangali police about the shocking incident who arrived at the scene of crime and arrested the accused Shad Laghari along with a knife and shifted him to the police station.

The bodies of the deceased were shifted to Civil Hospital Sanghar for postmortem and later handed over to the relatives.

Police said that accused also set his house on fire and consequently five other houses in the neighborhood also caught fire, but fortunately no one was harmed.

Accused person’s son-in-law, Meeran Baksh Marri said that his father-in-law suffered from a mental illness and his act was not motivated by ‘honor killing’ or any family dispute.

However, Police denied that accused suffered from any mental illness. “We have arrested him while other family members will also be interrogated.”

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