The police on Tuesday launched an operation against the notorious Andhar Gang in Katcha area of Sadiqabad following the shooting of nine persons and claimed to have arrested eight of its facilitators.
According to the police, the Andhar Gang killed nine persons at a filling tation at Mahi Chowk in Sadiqabad after owners refused to pay extortion money.
On Tuesday, the police, led by the Superintendent Police (SP) Investigations, carried out raids in the region after gathering the required intelligence.
The raids led to the arrest of eight alleged facilitators linked to the Andhar Gang.
They have been shifted to an unknown location for investigation.
Rahim Yar Khan District Police Officer (DPO) Ali Zia informed that an intelligence-based targeted operation is under way to arrest the killers and that the police have been utilising modern technology including drone cameras.
A heavy contingent of police is taking part in the operation led by senior officers, including SP Investigations and DSP CIA, he pointed out and added that personnel from the Punjab Elite Force have also joined the police operation.
The DPO said the police have set up nine base camps in the remote Katcha area, where more than 300 police and elite force personnel were deployed.
Police have also sent reinforcement to Dauwala Check Post deploying armoured vehicles there, according to the DPO.
He said that police teams have been carrying out patrolling in Bhong, Ahmedpur Lama, Kotsabzal and Machhka areas to meet any challenge.
The police said that all out resources are being utilized in the operation against the gang and effective measures have been being taken to maintain peace in the area.
It is to be noted that there was an outcry against the police for their reluctance to move against the gang, which intimidated a complainant into withdraw his application about the nine deaths.
The operation against the Andhar Gang was finally announced last week.
According to a private TV channel, terror gripped the region after the attack, with few people willing to speak against the Andhar Gang.
Mumtaz Chang, a member of the Punjab Assembly, revealed at a press conference that the gang had issued threats to the families of the deceased and force the only complainant to withdraw his application.
After the press conference, the gang brazenly threatened Chang and his family members.
Police officials say they have extended protection to Chang and his family.
