Fifteen notorious dacoits and a policeman were killed in an exchange of fire on Monday night, said police sources on Tuesday. According to available details District Police Officer (DPO) Ghotki Pir Muhammad Shah, along with a large police contingent, raided the hideout of notorious dacoit Sulto Shar in Katcha area in the limits of Ranooti police station.
On seeing the police, the dacoits tried to escape under the cover of fire. Police retaliated and the encounter continued for six hours in which the dacoits fired rockets besides using sophisticated weapons against the police. As a result, five outlaws and Constable Sachal Mahar were killed.
Later, some heavily armed people came from Kashmore to rescue the dacoits. However, the police, led by DPO Kashmore Asad Raza Abdi, exchanged fire in the limits of Ghihalpur, killing five of them. The police, assisted by rangers and an army helicopter, also set on fire hideouts of the dacoits. The bodies were shifted to an Obaro hospital. Following the operation, the police have established pickets in the area.
Police said seven dacoits had been arrested, adding that a search operation is being carried out in the area. They said dead dacoits, identified as Soomar Shar Bhallo Shar, Ghulam Nabi Shaikh, Dillo Shar, Wallo Shar, Khudan Shar, Ranjho Shar, Jamal and others were carrying head money.