Bandits of Kutch

Bandits of Kutch (Urdu: کچے کے ڈاکو) is a criminal gang active in the riverine belt of Sindh and Punjab, Pakistan. They are known for their violent activities, including kidnapping, extortion and murder. They have turned their operations into various illegal activities and are known to cheat people on the pretext of love or business. Despite several large-scale operations against them, they continue to operate in the southern districts, posing a significant challenge to local authorities. The bandits are reportedly armed with more sophisticated weapons than the local police and have targeted many civilians. Their activities have instilled fear in the local population, and their influence seems to be growing. The Sindh government is actively working to stop their activities, but the former interior minister of Sindh says that unless action is taken against the landowners in Kutch, the dacoits will not be eradicated.

Criminal activities

Bandits are notorious for their brutal tactics. They kidnap civilians and security personnel, make videos of physical violence, and demand millions of rupees in ransom. In cases where the ransom is not paid, the hostages are brutally killed. Bandits are no longer just involved in bandits but ow they have turned their operations into various illegal activities. They are also known to deceive people by pretending to be in love or business.

Ghotki robber Faqir Nisar Shar regularly comes on Facebook to threaten the police and support his Shar community and dacoits. Shar is considered to be the spokesperson of dacoits. Along with them, the gangsters are not only using social media for their activities, but in some videos, they also display weapons with the dubbing of Sindhi and Saraiki songs, which are shared on social media.

The bandits have targeted many citizens. Despite several large-scale operations against them, they continue to operate in the southern districts.

The HRCP's fact-finding report stated that the bandits receive a ransom of one billion rupees annually. During 2022, 300 people were kidnapped by the bandits for ransom.

Weaponry

The bandits are reportedly armed with sophisticated weapons including mortars, rocket-propelled grenades (RPGs) and anti-aircraft guns. Their weapons are said to be superior to local police, posing a significant challenge to law enforcement agencies.

Timeline

In November 2022, five policemen including DSP Abdul Malik Bhutto, SHO Abdul Malik Kamangar, SHO Deen Mohammad Laghari and two police constables were martyred in an attack by dacoits.

In May 2023, two persons were abducted by these dacoits in Ghotki.

In March 2024, a primary teacher, Allah Rakhiyo Nandwani, who raised his voice against Kachhe dacoits in Kashmore Kundhkot district of Sindh province, was allegedly killed by Kachhe dacoits.

Challenges and countermeasures

Bandits continue to be a major challenge for local authorities, despite several crackdowns against them. Their activities have instilled fear in the local population, and their influence seems to be growing. The government has been criticized for failing to deal effectively with the threat.

The Sindh government is actively working to stop the activities of these dacoits. In April 2024, however, the former interior minister of Sindh says that unless action is taken against the landlords in Kutch, the dacoits will not be eradicated.

In April 2024, the Federal Ministry of Interior, under the leadership of Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, decided to conduct a joint operation in the Kacha area after detailed consultations and deliberations to strengthen security measures across Pakistan and deal with criminal elements. This decision was taken during a high-level meeting of the National Action Plan implementation review committee. Advanced technology, including drones, will be used to increase operational efficiency.

See Also

• Kacha Operation

• Operation Shikarpur