Search operation to rescue hostages

 

DERA GHAZI KHAN, July 11: Police are using two helicopters in their search for the Chhotu Mazari gang in the riverside of Rajanpur.

 

The gang left the islands of the River Indus in Shahwali locality for some undisclosed location with eight police officials held hostage by the gang since Sunday. The gang ambushed and held hostage nine police officials from two posts set up in the Kacha area of Shahwali. Later, a policeman died in the captivity and his corpse was handed over to police through a third person, Dr Taj Umrani.

 

Dawn learnt hundreds of police personnel are taking part in the operation. Police officials say the search operation would continue till the safe recovery of the policemen. Earlier, police did not launch any operation and banked on negotiation with the gang to get their colleagues released.

 

The gang put up three demands: the release of their three fellows, including the brother of ringleader Ghulam Rasool, alias Chhotu Bakhrani Mazari, who are in Bahawalpur Jail; removal of police posts from the Kacha area and unconditional withdrawal of cases against the gang. Police believe the gang has fled to Balochistan. Regional Police Officer Akhtar Umer Hayat Laleeka did not return phone calls seeking his comment.

 

(Daily Dawn)

 

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