Shikarpur Bandits Kidnap Cop, Demand Slain Dacoit’s Body

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Bandits in Shikarpur attacked a police check post, kidnapped a policeman, and demanded the body of a slain dacoit, escalating tensions after a deadly encounter.

Shikarpur, Pakistan – On July 30, 2025, a gang of bandits launched a brazen attack on a police check post along the Kandhkot-Shikarpur Road in Sindh’s Shikarpur district, kidnapping one policeman and injuring another, according to a statement from the Shikarpur Police Department reported by ARY News. The assault followed the killing of notorious dacoit Shahzore Kamalani-Jatoi in a police encounter, prompting the bandits to demand the return of his body in exchange for the abducted officer. The incident, confirmed by Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Shahzaib Chachar, highlights the ongoing challenge of banditry in the region’s Kacha area, a known haven for criminals.

The attack occurred late Wednesday evening, targeting a check post manned by local police. The bandits, armed with sophisticated weapons, opened fire, wounding one officer and abducting another, whose identity remains undisclosed pending rescue operations. SSP Chachar stated that the assault was a retaliatory act linked to the recent elimination of Kamalani-Jatoi, a wanted criminal involved in multiple cases of kidnapping and robbery. In response, a heavy police contingent, supported by Pakistan Rangers, launched an operation in the Kacha area, resulting in one bandit’s death, as reported by @sindhtvnews247 on X. The operation aims to secure the officer’s release and dismantle criminal hideouts.

The Kacha region, spanning districts like Shikarpur and Kashmore, remains a hotspot for banditry, with gangs using dense forests and rugged terrain to evade law enforcement. A 2024 Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) report estimated that bandits extort approximately one billion rupees annually through ransom kidnappings. The Sindh government’s ongoing Operation Shikarpur, backed by armored vehicles and drone surveillance, seeks to curb these activities, but the region’s challenging terrain and the bandits’ advanced weaponry pose significant hurdles.

The Shikarpur Police have urged citizens to report suspicious activities via the helpline 15, emphasizing their commitment to restoring order. Updates on the operation and the officer’s status can be accessed at www.sindhpolice.gov.pk, as authorities work to resolve this crisis and strengthen regional security.