Trapped by the Dacoits: The Rising Criminal Threat in Northern Sindh

The article “Hostage to the Dacoits” by Zia Ur Rehman, published on March 9, 2025, in Dawn, delves into the escalating crisis in northern Sindh, Pakistan, where dacoit gangs have intensified their criminal activities. These gangs, now armed with advanced weaponry and operating with increased sophistication, engage in kidnappings for ransom, extortion, and violent crimes, severely impacting local communities. The piece highlights the case of Rajesh Kumar Keswani, a rice trader abducted in November, whose ordeal underscores the pervasive threat posed by these criminals. Despite numerous police operations, the dacoits continue to exploit the challenging terrain of the Katcha area and benefit from alleged political patronage, rendering law enforcement efforts largely ineffective. The article calls for a comprehensive and sustained strategy to address this deepening security crisis.