Sabahat Sarwar
KARACHI: The ongoing operation of Sindh Police against criminal gangs in Upper Sindh has achieved a significant breakthrough, as fourteen notorious dacoits belonging to the Banglani Gang surrendered before the police in Jacobabad under the Sindh Government’s surrender policy. According to police sources, the surrendered individuals were active in Thul and surrounding areas and were wanted in multiple serious criminal cases. The surrender took place after sustained law-enforcement pressure and continuous operations targeting organized criminal networks in the district.
SSP Jacobabad Kaleem Malik stated that the surrendered gang members were involved in heinous offences, including kidnapping for ransom, armed robbery (dacoity), extortion, attacks on police personnel, violent street crimes, and abduction-related activities. These criminal actions had created fear and instability among the local population. He said that due to consistent and intelligence-based policing, the gang’s movement was restricted, their support networks were disrupted, and their safe havens were neutralized. As a result, the gang members voluntarily laid down their arms and presented themselves before law-enforcement authorities.
Following the directives of the Inspector General of Police (IGP) Sindh regarding ongoing operations in Upper Sindh, SSP Kaleem Malik said that Jacobabad Police has been actively participating in these efforts with full commitment and coordination. In Jacobabad district, police operations have primarily focused on organized criminal groups involved in kidnapping, dacoity, extortion, and other serious offences, particularly those attempting to exploit inter-district and riverine areas. As part of these actions, intelligence-based raids were conducted on identified criminal hideouts, search and combing operations were carried out in high-risk zones, and snap checking, picketing, and enhanced patrolling on key routes were strengthened to curb criminal movement. As a result of these sustained actions, there has been a noticeable improvement in the law-and-order situation in Jacobabad. Incidents of major crimes, particularly those linked to organized gangs, have shown a decline compared to previous periods. Public confidence has also improved due to visible policing and timely response by law-enforcement agencies.
Concluding his statement, SSP Jacobabad emphasized that the Government of Sindh policy regarding surrendered criminals is based on strict enforcement of the law combined with an opportunity to return to the legal path. He clarified that surrender does not grant immunity from legal proceedings; rather, surrendered individuals are processed strictly in accordance with the law, with transparent investigations and decisions made by the courts. However, surrender is considered a positive step as it helps prevent further violence, loss of life, and instability. At the same time, in line with the clear directives of the IGP Sindh, strict and decisive action continues against those criminals who refuse to surrender and persist in unlawful activities.
