Army lands in Rajanpur to rescue 18 policemen held hostage by Chhotu Gang

RAJANPUR: A hundred army officers have landed at the Punjab riverine area through helicopters to rescue 18 policemen held hostage by the Chhotu Gang as the operation against them enters its eighteenth day.

Heavy contingents of policemen are present in the area. Mobile phone services have been restored in the region demands of the gangs.

After the Chhotu gang captured 22 policemen on Wednesday, the operation was temporarily suspended as Punjab IG Mushtaq Sukhera said that recovering the policemen was their first priority.

The Chhotu Gang, which operates in the border areas of Sindh and Punjab, released four injured police officers on Thursday.

Sources said that the gang has stocked several days of food and is armed with heavy ammunition.

At least seven policemen and four gangsters have been killed in the operation so far.

Talking to media in Hyderabad, Sindh Home Minister Suhail Anwar Siyal said the in order to prevent members of the Chotu Gang from entering Sindh the provincial government will take steps.

Punjab Law Minister Rana Sanaullah speaking to the media said that the gangsters have sanctuaries in the riverine area which are difficult to identify.

Over 1600 police officers from seven districts are taking part in this operation.