Katcha Bandits Kill Five Policemen in Violent Attack

Five police officers lost their lives when Katcha bandits launched a deadly attack on a police checkpoint in Punjab’s Rahim Yar Khan. The assailants, armed with rocket launchers and grenades, targeted the Sheikhani police picket on Thursday night. This act of terror has reignited concerns over the rising influence and violence of criminal gangs in the region.

Brutal Night Assault

According to Punjab police, around 40 heavily armed bandits stormed the police post located between Chowk Sewetra and Chowk Mahi along the Guddu-Kashmore Road. The attackers opened fire using advanced weaponry, including explosives and rocket launchers, leaving the police little time to respond.

Among those martyred were Elite Force personnel Muhammad Irfan, Muhammad Saleem, and Nukhail from Bahawalnagar, as well as Khalil and Ghazanfar from Rahim Yar Khan. A bandit was also killed during the exchange of fire.

Immediate Response and Investigation

In the aftermath of the attack, police forces initiated a widespread search operation across the region. The Inspector General (IG) of Punjab Police, Dr. Usman Anwar, took immediate notice. He requested a detailed report from the Bahawalpur Regional Police Officer and directed District Police Officer Irfan Ali Sammon to arrest the culprits without delay.

Funeral prayers for the fallen officers were scheduled for 2:30 pm at the Rahim Yar Khan police lines, according to a police statement.

Repeated Threats from Gangs

This attack did not occur in isolation. Last month, dacoit gangs operating in the Katcha area released social media videos in which they openly challenged police authority. The footage showed gang members carrying sophisticated automatic rifles and other modern arms, vowing to target police personnel.

These groups have built strongholds in the thick riverine forests along the Indus River. Local authorities admit that certain islands in the river remain under the complete control of bandit factions.

Rise in Extortion and Violence

The bandits have increased their criminal activity in recent months. They recently attacked stone-carrying trucks in the Hajipur area, demanding money from truck owners. Businesses and locals alike report frequent extortion threats and armed robberies.

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The gangs have disrupted life across southern Punjab and northern Sindh. With high-powered weapons and a network of hideouts, they continue to evade law enforcement operations.

Previous Incidents Highlight Persistent Threat

In March, three civilians were gunned down in the Jamaldin Wali area of Sadiqabad tehsil, reportedly as retaliation for the killing of a YouTuber associated with a dacoit group. In January, three Hindu community members from the Chowk Sawetra area were kidnapped, allegedly by the same Katcha gangs.

Despite ongoing police operations, these criminal networks have proven hard to dismantle. Officials blame the difficult terrain and outdated policing methods for the limited success in curbing their influence.

Government Under Pressure

The killing of five police officers has intensified public pressure on the Punjab government and law enforcement agencies. Critics argue that intelligence and preparedness were lacking, despite prior threats made publicly by the gangs.

Calls are growing louder for a coordinated crackdown, involving both provincial and federal forces. Locals and police alike stress the need for better equipment, modern surveillance, and strategic planning to counter the growing threat.

As security operations continue, residents of Katcha and surrounding areas remain on edge, hoping for peace but bracing for further violence.

To strengthen their grip, Katcha bandits often exploit the challenging riverine landscape, making it difficult for police to track or confront them effectively. Locals say the gangs operate with near-impunity, moving between hideouts by boat and using lookouts to evade capture. Police morale has suffered repeated blows, with recent incidents exposing the urgent need for modern equipment, training, and strategic planning.