In a surprising turn of events, 25 officers from the Punjab Police’s Farooqabad Constabulary refused to participate in an operation against dacoits in the Kacha area of Rajanpur, disembarking from their transport en route. The incident, which occurred four days ago near the Zahir Pir Interchange, has raised serious concerns about the morale and safety of police personnel involved in the operation.
According to sources, the officers told their superiors, “We are responsible for our own safety, but under no circumstances will we participate in the operation in the Kacha area.” This refusal led their in-charge to prepare a report recommending disciplinary action against the 25 officers for their defiance.
In response to the situation, Inspector General (IG) of Punjab Police Usman Anwar swiftly sent replacement personnel to ensure the continuation of the operation. The new contingent has since arrived in Rahim Yar Khan, with IG Anwar stating, “We now have full deployment in the Kacha area, and no officers will be absent.”
The operation in the Kacha region was initiated following a severe attack by dacoits that resulted in the tragic deaths of 12 police officers. The Punjab government, in collaboration with Sindh, decided to launch a joint operation to address the rising threat posed by organized criminal gangs in the area. The Kacha region, notorious for its kidnap-for-ransom operations, has long been a stronghold for these gangs, which have operated with impunity in the riverine border areas of southern Sindh and central Punjab for decades.
IG Punjab Usman Anwar had visited the Kacha region four days ago to boost the morale of the officers involved in the operation, highlighting the gravity of the situation and the determination of the authorities to restore peace in the troubled area.
