Bahawalnagar:
The suspects of a notorious Dacoit gang that had escaped the confinement of the CIA Police Station in Bahawalnagar were restructured after a search operation.
Three of the seven fugitives were arrested the same night, while the remaining four were captured three days later.
The suspects, sought by multiple cases of theft and theft, had recently been arrested under case number 122/25, section 395 of the Pakistan Criminal Code (PPC) in Bakshan Khan. However, instead of being legally retained, they were supposedly maintained in illegal custody at the CIA Police Station for ten days.
Even after their arrested, the police have remained very good about their identities, which increases suspicions about the legitimacy of their capture.
The escape occurred in Chand Raat, the night before EID, when the one in charge of the CIA Police Station had gone home, leaving only two agents, Abdullah and Ghaffar, of service. However, one of them, Aguidullah agent, was absent, leaving only agent Ghaffar to protect the entire installation.
Taking advantage of the safety period, the suspects managed to get out of the blockade and flee.
Upon learning of the escape, the Bahawalnagar police launched a search operation that involved personnel from three different police stations.
A police spokesman confirmed that, while three suspects were arrested the same night, the remaining four were caught after a three -day human hunt.
Senior police officers have taken a strict notice of the escape, ordering the SDPO Circle that conducts an exhaustive investigation. Preliminary findings highlight the negligence on the part of the CIA Police Station in charge and security lapses. The sources indicate that a disciplinary action is expected against those responsible for the supervision.
The escape and the subsequent restart of the suspects have exacerbated concerns about the growing crime in Bahawalnagar. In the jurisdiction of the Spaceabad Police, near the Pakpattan district, the locals report to be terrified by dacoits that openly demand extortion.
The gang supposedly wears shots and other threats to intimidate residents to meet. The disturbing video images of the affected areas show helpless citizens who beg protection, painting an image of illegality.
Meanwhile, in the city of Bahawalnagar, violent crimes incidents continue to increase. In Chishtian Road, a citizen was assaulted and stolen from cash. Another robbery in Haroonabad Road left a victim without his belongings.
In Mohalla Farooqabad, a resident was physically attacked during an assault.
The recent transfer of the District Police officer (DPO) of Bahawalnagar has further shaken the public’s confidence.
Since the appointment of the new DPO, crime rates have increased, with the officers of the station house (shos) and other officials who supposedly participate in bribes instead of addressing criminal activities.
In 2025 alone, Bahawalnagar has reported more than 100 cases of robbery and assault, more than 200 motorcycle robberies and more than 100 cattle incidents and mobile phone theft.
Citizens attending open courts to present complaints face humiliation at the hands of bureaucratic mafias, who create obstacles instead of facilitating justice.
Residents claim that these sessions are carried out simply for photographs, without any real intention to address public complaints. Experts reveal that a powerful group of officials, parked in the DPO office of the district for years, exerts considerable influence on police affairs.
This supposedly rooted lobby manipulates all incoming DPOs, avoiding genuine reform efforts and allowing a culture of corruption and inefficiency.
