Punjab Police rescues kidnapped citizen from Katcha dacoits in Rajanpur

• Hostage recovered safely after operation in Sonmiani Katcha area following intense crossfire

LAHORE/RAJANPUR: Punjab Police on Tuesday conducted a successful operation against dacoits in the Sonmiani Katcha area of Rajanpur, rescuing a kidnapped citizen safely amid intense crossfire.

According to the Punjab Police spokesperson, a large contingent of Rajanpur Police raided the criminals’ hideout in the Katcha area, recovering Gul Ganoor, who had been abducted a few days earlier from Kacha Bangla Acha. The kidnappers had been demanding a hefty ransom for his release and had even circulated a video on social media showing violence against the victim.

During the encounter, there was an exchange of heavy gunfire between the police and the dacoits. Under mounting pressure, the criminals fled their hideout, while police teams continue to pursue them in the surrounding areas.

Inspector General of Punjab Police Dr. Usman Anwar praised the Rajanpur Police for their “outstanding performance” and commended the entire team for their swift and effective action that ensured the victim’s safe recovery.

Punjab Police ramp up anti-smog operations across the province

Punjab Police also continue their province-wide operations to combat smog, air pollution, and environmental violations, with hundreds booked and millions of rupees in fines imposed over the last 24 hours.

According to the spokesperson, 33 cases were registered during the latest crackdown in Lahore and other districts, with lawbreakers arrested and 502 individuals fined over Rs3.2 million, while 46 violators were issued warnings.

The reported violations included the burning of crop residues (91 cases), vehicles emitting excessive smoke (264), industrial activities (5), and brick kilns (11).

The spokesperson added that during the current year alone, police across Punjab have registered 2,135 cases and arrested 1,910 offenders under the anti-smog drive. In total, 86,111 individuals have been fined over Rs220 million, while 11,135 others were warned for various environmental violations, including burning of crop residues (886 cases), emissions from vehicles (51,712), industrial activities (1,708), and brick kilns (3,299).

IG Punjab Dr Usman Anwar has directed all officers to accelerate the crackdown on highways, industrial zones, agricultural areas, and urban centers. He stressed that strict and immediate action must be taken against all violators of smog SOPs under the province’s zero-tolerance policy.