By Imtiaz Hussain
SHIKARPUR: Nine alleged robbers were killed, and two Deputy Superintendents of Police (DSPs) were injured during a police and Rangers operation in Shikarpur. Shikarpur SSP Shahzeb Chachar said the police had raided the Manchar Sheikh area after receiving intelligence about criminals who had reportedly stolen 2.6 million rupees from local citizens.
When officers approached, the suspects opened fire, prompting a counter-operation. Authorities confirmed that the encounter resulted in the deaths of nine robbers. The operation remained ongoing, with a large police force deployed at the scene. Armored vehicles and drone surveillance were being used to assist in the operation.
Among the injured were DSP Garhi Yasin Zahoor Soomro and his wife, DSP City Paras Bakrani, along with four other police personnel. All injured officers were transported to Ziauddin Hospital in Sukkur for medical treatment. DIG Sukkur Faisal Abdullah Chachar visited the hospital to check on their condition and said the injured DSPs and police personnel were now out of danger.
The slain suspects were identified as Shahmore Shaikh, Imdad Shaikh, Sabbir, Kurraro, Awais, Asif, Ayaz Ali Shaikh, Shahzado Shaikh, and Nadir Mahar. The Medical Superintendent of Shikarpur Hospital confirmed that six bodies were lying in the mortuary while four injured remained under treatment. Police said the gang was involved in kidnapping for ransom, drug trafficking, robberies, and other serious crimes.
Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah paid tribute to the bravery of the officers and personnel injured during the operation, directing the police to intensify actions against criminal gangs and ensure the full restoration of law and order in the district. He expressed solidarity with DSP City Paras Bakrani, DSP Garhi Yasin Zahoor Soomro, and the four other injured personnel, offering prayers for their speedy recovery.
The Chief Minister instructed the Chairman of the District Council, Sukkur, Syed Kumail Shah, to arrange an air ambulance for the injured officers if necessary, ensuring they received the best possible medical care. “Those dacoits who do not surrender will face strict action,” he warned.
Murad Ali Shah emphasised that the police had been given clear directives to uphold the state’s authority in Shikarpur. “No leniency will be tolerated. Criminal elements must be eliminated, and peace must be restored in Shikarpur,” he said.
Meanwhile, Inspector General of Police Ghulam Nabi Memon briefed the Chief Minister on the latest law-enforcement action in Manchhar Shah, Shikarpur. He reported that DSP Paras Bakrani, DSP Zahoor Soomro, and two police personnel were injured during an armed attack by dacoits and were swiftly transferred to the hospital. He added that nine criminals were killed in the encounter, including the ring leaders.
The dacoits had been wanted for several serious crimes, including kidnapping for ransom and other violent offences. Police employed armoured vehicles and drone technology during the operation, enhancing both safety and precision.
The Chief Minister directed the police to expand operations throughout Shikarpur and surrounding areas to eradicate remaining criminal networks. “Operations must continue with full force. Anyone attempting to disrupt peace will be dealt with strictly,” he ordered, reiterating the government’s commitment to restoring lasting peace in the district and pledging full support for police operations.
