Press Release

1 October 2025

Sukkur — Acting on direct orders from Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Sukkur, Azhar Khan, Sukkur Police today launched a focused and well-coordinated operation against outlaw elements operating in the Baghārji area of the Katcha. The intelligence-led operation targeted multiple dacoit dens linked to the gang allegedly responsible for the brutal murder of Head Constable Khawand Bakhsh Indhar.

Early this morning, heavily armed contingents of Sukkur Police, supported by armored vehicles and modern tactical equipment, moved into the riverine Katcha area. Police officials said the operation was planned after credible intelligence pointed to several hideouts used by the Rajab Atrani Jatoi gang — the same group believed to be involved in the killing of the fallen head constable.

“Today’s operation is a clear message that lawlessness and terror havens will not be tolerated in Sukkur’s jurisdiction,” SSP Azhar Khan said while briefing the media. “The sacrifice of Head Constable Khawand Bakhsh Indhar will never be in vain. We have mobilized substantial resources to dismantle these criminal networks and bring all responsible persons to justice as quickly as possible.”

According to police sources, teams executed simultaneous raids on multiple locations across the Baghārji Katcha. Several hideouts were located and systematically destroyed. In a number of instances, police say that the outlaw shelters and makeshift strongholds were set ablaze to prevent their reuse by criminal elements. A large cache of weaponry, ammunition, and other contraband was reportedly discovered and removed from the area during the operation.

The use of armored personnel carriers and specialized machinery enabled forces to penetrate difficult terrain and neutralize fortified positions without exposing officers to undue risk. Senior officers confirmed that officers were backed by logistical and tactical assets that ensured the operation proceeded in an orderly, professional manner.

To prevent escape and to secure the area, additional police personnel have been deployed at all exit routes from the Katcha. New pickets and checkpoints have also been established on roads and tracks leading out of the region. These measures, police officials say, are intended to intercept suspects attempting to flee and to provide a secure environment for follow-up clearance operations and investigations.

While the operation focused primarily on destroying the network and infrastructure of the Rajab Atrani Jatoi gang, authorities stressed that arrests remain a top priority. “Our objective is not merely to demolish hideouts but to apprehend the criminals responsible for recent violent acts, including the killing of our colleague,” said a senior operations commander. “All possible leads are being pursued and we will not rest until those culpable are brought before the law.”

The police have appealed to local residents and community members to cooperate with security forces by sharing any information about the whereabouts of gang members or suspicious activity. “Local cooperation is essential in rooting out criminal havens that exploit the cover of remote areas,” SSP Azhar Khan said. “We urge citizens to come forward; their assistance can shorten the time needed to dismantle these gangs.”

Security analysts note that Katcha tracts, with their dense shrubbery and labyrinthine river channels, have long posed operational challenges for law enforcement. Nevertheless, the Sukkur Police leadership affirmed that evolving tactics, better equipment, and improved intelligence-sharing have significantly enhanced the force’s capacity to take decisive action in such environments.

Sukkur Police have also emphasized strict adherence to legal and human-rights-compliant procedures during the operation. Officers on the ground were instructed to follow established rules of engagement and to document all evidence thoroughly to support subsequent prosecutions.

The killing of Head Constable Khawand Bakhsh Indhar had earlier sparked widespread condemnation among police ranks and local communities. In response, the department launched an intensive hunt for those responsible and vowed to escalate operations until justice is achieved. Today’s raid represents a visible escalation in those efforts and signals continued momentum in the department’s counter-crime campaign.

SSP Azhar Khan reiterated the department’s commitment: “We will continue sustained operations until the entire network that breeds violence and extortion in our Katcha areas is dismantled. The families of our brave martyrs deserve justice, and we will ensure accountability is delivered.”

Further updates, including details of arrests, recovered items, and any ongoing casualties or injuries, will be released as post-operation assessments and forensic examinations are completed. Meanwhile, the police urge residents in Baghārji and surrounding villages to remain vigilant and cooperate with security personnel for their safety and the swift restoration of law and order.